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 | Pakistan Local Customs | Tips 1 - 10 of 40 |  | ||
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 | Colourful Trucks |   |  |
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 |  on April 15, 2004 |
Art on the wheels - - the trucks in Pakistan are very beautifully decorated and richly painted with miniature paintings of animals, birds, flowers, historic buildings etc. You will hardly find such uniquely painted colourful truck on any other part of the globe. |
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| Culture: Fly a kite, battle for air superiority and dance. | | |
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 |  on November 17, 2007 |
Thousands of kite lovers celebrate the famous and traditional Bassant Festival in Lahore by flying kites, battling kites in the skies for air superiority, wearing colorful clothes, arranging parties and musical shows. Public parks and rooftops get crowded with revellers. Hundreds of thousands of kites make it to the air and people use their expertise with threads and moves to cut others' strings. Each time a kite is cut, the winners' party goes wild. The bassant marks the beginning of the month long Jashan-e-Baharan (Spring Festival) in Lahore that includes Horse and Cattle show, cultural shows, sports events, fruites and flowers exhibitions, music shows and lots of related entertainment. Thousands of visitors from within the country and abroad reach Lahore to celebrate the function. In the pictures, young Pakistani women dance to the beat of a drum during the colourful spring festival locally known as 'bassant' in Lahore (courtesy: Arif Ali, AFP) and the colorful kites await customers (courtesy: Arif Ali, AFP). |
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| Eating and Visiting Etiquette |  | |
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 |  on April 17, 2006 |
Its considered polite to offer and accept food and drink with the left hand and use your right hand when eating(common sense). The left hand is used when removing dirty shoes and in the toilet area. If you are invited to someones home( i had the privledge) dress modestly and be extremely polite and bring a small gift such as sweets or flowers. Always remove yoru shoes in a Pakistani home and wait for the host to escort you inside. Male visitors are usually ushered into the male section of the home(i was fortunate and met the whole family(mom,sisters,aunts etc) without Burkhas etc in Peshawar and it was a true highlight) and overall it will be a rewarding experience. |
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| Culture: Religious Etiquette | | |
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| on April 17, 2006 |
Islamic countries vary with their rules for who can and cant enter a mosque, if in doubt ask a local person. Remove your shoes before entering mosques(common sense) and tip the local shoe keeper 5 rupees when you leave the mosque. Loud and intrusive behavior is not tolerated as is smoking, displays of affection, walking in front of a person praying or joking around. One final guidline is DONT photograph anyone you want in Pakistan as it is incredibly offensive and in some areas may lead to a major confrontation. |
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| Clothing: Dress Matters | | |
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| on April 17, 2006 |
The way in which you dress is going to have a dramatic impact on how you are perceived by locals. Revealing a little skin as possible is the way to go for both sexes. Long, loose, nonreavling clothes should be worn by everyone. One recommended option is the shalwar kameez (traditional clothes) which is really cheap to purchase. Women should always have a scarft nearby in case they enter an unfamiliar area or mosque. Overall, dressing in the right way will lead you down a path that will not end up in aggression or intense situation. |
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| People: Rich Mom Poor Mom | | |
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 |  on September 24, 2004 |
Pakistan people are of extreme contrast - some are so filthy rich they dont know what to do with their money - some are so poor that they have to divide one piece of bread for the family. By cautious when out on the streets - you would be swarmed by beggars. Dont think they are poor or pathetic - they are mostly professionals, begging as a member of well organized begging syndicates. Do not give or show money - once you do that to one soon you would be invaded by the army of beggars |
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| SOCIAL | | |
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 |  on September 25, 2007 |
The Pakistani way of life is leisurely, and old-fashioned politeness is essential. Warm hospitality is the norm. The country has a deeply individual national character, although each province has its own traditions and folklore. Smoking is prohibited in some public places and it is polite to ask permission before lighting a cigarette. It is common for visiting businesspeople to be entertained in hotels and restaurants. If invited to a private home, a gift or national souvenir is welcome. Informal dress is acceptable for most occasions. Women should avoid wearing tight clothing and should ensure that their arms and legs are covered. Pakistani society is divided into classes and within each group there is a subtle social grading. The right hand is used both for shaking hands (the usual form of greeting) and for passing or receiving things. Mutual hospitality and courtesy are of great importance at all levels, whatever the social standing of the host. Visitors must remember that most Pakistanis are Muslim and should respect their customs and beliefs. |
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| Culture: Dos and Donts | | |
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| on April 17, 2006 |
Pakistanis are known for their hospitality towards visitors and your appreciation will be registered if you respect local customs. While you are not expected to get everything right common sense and courtesy will get you a long way. If you are unsure of how to act in certain settings ie mosques or bazaars, ask someone or watch what the locals do. Do not pertake in public displays of affection as this is not condoned by society in any Islamic country other than Lebanon. You may see Pakistani men holding hands with each other but his is accepted as a non sexual relationship/friendship. |
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| Culture: Some tips | | |
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| on September 21, 2005 |
As general rule : respect the local culture/traditions. For ladies, wear loose clothes while in Pakistan. Summer is very hot so wear cotton cloths...but it is pleasant in mountain areas. The people are very generous, friendly and always ready to help the foreigners. (don`t believe American media...). They often invite you at tea (and if it is meal time then they do invite for lunch or dinner). Urdu is national language, but english is also understood widely (espacially in cities), in rural areas very few people can understand english...but at least one or two person in every village know english. |
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| Clothing: Dress Code in Pakistan | | |
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 |  on March 18, 2006 |
Bonjour Mes Amis, Better to wear local clothes during the visit to Pakistan whether you're travelling in south ( Lahore, Multan, Islamabad and Peshawar) or north ( Chitral, Hunza or Skardu). It consists of Shalwar, Kamees (Loose trouser and long shirt) and Duppata (thin shawl) for ladies. The best way to see the culture and to enjoy te hospitality of the loclas.. On trekking itineraries one can wear shorts with long sleeves shirts. Enjoy the hospitality of Great Pakistanis . |
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More Pakistan Tips
| Overview | General Tips Tips: 109 - Photos: 76 |
| Restaurants Tips: 50 - Photos: 24 | Hotels and Accommodations Tips: 44 - Photos: 24 |
| Things To Do Tips: 340 - Photos: 307 | Nightlife Tips: 16 - Photos: 7 |
| Off the Beaten Path Tips: 47 - Photos: 41 | Tourist Traps Tips: 17 - Photos: 4 |
| Warnings or Dangers Tips: 41 - Photos: 17 | Transportation Tips: 97 - Photos: 67 |
| Local Customs Tips: 40 - Photos: 26 | Packing Lists Tips: 18 - Photos: 6 |
| Shopping Tips: 13 - Photos: 10 | Sports Travel Tips: 17 - Photos: 15 |
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