Celebrating diversity

“We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community and this nation.” Cesar Chavez.

Diversity, like a fruit rich in nutrients, offers many benefits to the country if properly embraced. Since its independence, Pakistan has been fortunate to have a rich tapestry of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. Around seventy different languages are spoken in Pakistan, spread across its four provinces, with each province enjoying its own subcultures. Influenced by social and religious factors, Pakistan’s cultural diversity is rooted in its fascinating historical past. The areas that make up Pakistan have been under the rule of various dynasties and empires such as the Mughal Empire, the British Raj, and the Sikh Empire. Each of these rulers left a significant mark on the local cultures and traditions, resulting in a unique fusion of customs and religious practices.

One of the most striking aspects of the Pakistan’s culture is its religious diversity. The country is home to followers of various religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism, with over 97% of the population identifying as Muslims.

Pakistanis are renowned for their hospitality and warm demeanour. They take great pride in their cultural heritage and traditions, and are always eager to share their customs and traditions with visitors. Festivals like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Azha, and the holy month of Ramazan hold significant cultural importance and are observed with great zeal.

Pakistan rich and diversified music culture is an eminent treasure that every Pakistani feels proud of. In the world of Sufi music, Qawwali, and Ghazal, legendary singers like NusratFateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Noor Jehan, Sabri brothers, have left their mark on the audiences globally. In the contemporary forms of music, living legends like Rahat Fateh Ali, Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar, Strings and many others have produced some remarkable music that audiences like worldwide. Moreover, folk music, which is considered an intrinsic part of Pakistani music, has produced masters such as Abida Parveen, Atta Ullah Khan Esakhelvi, Reshma, Arif Lohar, Allan Fakir, and Shazia Khushk.

Pakistan is also home to various traditional crafts, including embroidery, pottery, and woodwork. A plethora of art forms can be witnessed in Pakistani handicrafts and art pieces: the Pashmina from KPK, embroidery work from the Punjab, Ajrak from Sindh, handmade rugs and carpets from Balochistan, calligraphy, the truck art, copper work, silverwork, jewellery, pottery, and wood carving, to name a few, epitomize the diversity in craftwork. Pakistani artisans are renowned globally for their skilful work that is appreciated all over the world because of its uniqueness. The country’s hand-woven textiles, such as silk and cotton, are also renowned all over the world.

Moreover, in the recent years, there has been a renewed focus on celebrating Pakistan’s cultural diversity, with the government promoting various cultural events and festivals. The aim is to showcase the country’s cultural heritage and traditions to the world, and to preserve them for future generations.

Hence, Pakistan’s cultural diversity is a source of pride for its people, and is a very unique blend of various historical, social, and religious influences. Thus, it is essential to celebrate and preserve this diversity, as it is a source of unity and strength for the country.

M. Scott Peck has very rightly said: “The key to community is acceptance, in fact the celebration of our individual and cultural differences. It is also the key to world peace.”

-Syeda Beena Abbas, is a student of MPhil, Department of History, University of Karachi.