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Welcome to
Pakistan!
A new comers
guide to understanding local practices, customs and culture in
Pakistan
by Zaid Zaman
This country is a most unique and complex combination of
geography, ethnic diversity, languages, values, beliefs and culture. Spreading
from the Arabian Sea in the South to the mighty Hindukush, Himalaya and
Karakorum ranges in the north. The people are equally diversified, with six
major languages and scores of local dialects, dozens of ethnic stocks and varied
religious beliefs. Though the common bond is nationalism and the major religion
is Islam.
Since every new comer would take a while to understand the
actual settings, we are giving a general quick overview of common beliefs,
values, cultural do's and don'ts and practices for a quick, safe and secure
adjustment into the local society. Pakistan is a Muslim country where standard
Muslim social norms are openly practiced in public and private life, which may
be radically different from Western or far eastern cultures. Religious norms are
heavily tinted with local cultures and traditions, often making it impossible
for a new comer to identify the differences.
General
Social Behavior
Special behavior is required in dress codes and general social
behaviors with women. Islamabad is more liberal but avoid becoming odd in other
places. Men can shake hands, hug or wear barmuda trunks but women should be
careful not to expose themselves in Public. Not just that it is embarrassing,
nudity is also illegal. Body exposure, which would be perfectly normal in the
west, would be extremely embarrassing and even illegal here. So be careful.
Social
Norms
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Dressing is an important consideration. Look around and dress as everyone else. Controlling body exposure level is important consideration.
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Do not kiss opposite sex in public, not even at the airports. Not for a minute, not for a second, NOT at all.
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Do not hug or embrace opposite sex in Public.
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Do not photograph women without their asking first.
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Do not shake hands with women or touch them, unless they extend their hands first. (For men only)
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Do not smile to stranger women or talk to them. (For men only)
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Do not drink alcohol in public, or smoke drugs. It is illegal. Even carrying a bottle of liquor in Public can be asking for trouble.
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Remain sober in Public places. Drunks can be arrested.
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Pork is illegal and offensive to locals. Do not eat in Public or offer it to any Muslim. This is serious.
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Smoking is OK.
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Weekly holiday is on Sunday. Banks close at 1:30 PM, except on Friday when closing time is 12 Noon.
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Use right hand in giving or receiving any thing. Left hand is bad manners.
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People can be addressed by first name but add "Sahib" after the name, like Khalid sahib, Tariq Sahib etc. Sahib is a sign of respect. Friends can be addressed by first name alone.
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Take your shoes off when visiting a mosque or shrine, cover your head, do not photograph without permission and keep a local guide or escort.
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Photographing airports, military installations and defense sites is not allowed.
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Local foods use chilies, might be offensive to stomach for many new comers.
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Tap water is not safe for drinking. Use bottled mineral water. Use standard brands as Nestle, or AVA. Lots of fakes available.
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Fake cigarettes, tobacco, gums, chocolates etc are common. Buy from main shops and stores.
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Police emergency number is 15. Do not trust them to come in time.
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Get a mobile phone upon arriving in the country.
Social
Norms
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Cars drive on the left side. Steering is on the right.
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Traffic rules are hardly followed. Expect traffic lights jumping, sudden lane changing, pedestrian crossing, animal carts, bicycles and even kids any time.
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Zebra crossings are only decorative. Right of way is never heard off.
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Use a driver until you are familiar with the "rules".
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Avoid outstation trips without a local driver and travel in daylights.
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Verify security environment en-route and at destination before embarking.
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Car security should be a priority.
21. Women drive commonly.
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Always carry ID's, mobile phone and contact numbers while traveling.
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People are friendly towards foreigners and would like to converse often. Keep a safe/friendly distance with strangers.
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Begging is common. They would pester but are generally harmless.
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While driving, honking is a norm. Don't take offence at it.
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Learn basic survival Urdu words as quickly as possible, though English is generally understood too.
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Never eat a thing given by a stranger.
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Change you money through authorized dealers only and take a receipt.
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Taxis charge astronomical sums from foreigners. Ask a reliable local to haggle the right price or know the going rates from a local contact.
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Pass the number of taxi to a contact on phone before starting the journey. Taxis are generally safe but precaution is better option, especially at night.
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There are no reliable accident ambulance services.
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Do not venture into unknown areas and territories without local escort or contact.
Domestic
Security
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Pakistan is generally a very safe and an excellent place to
live. Basic precautions in domestic security are recommended. The threats
are only petty thefts, burglaries and very rarely armed robberies. A good
security attitude and some tools should suffice. 1. Install an alarm system,
ideally connected to a monitoring station.
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Have a guard, if need be.
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Arrange proper lighting and reasonable fencing outside.
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Install proper door locks and deadbolts.
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Always keep a servant through a reference. Never keep a
stranger.
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Always verify documents, address, contacts and reference of
servants.
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Servants should be kept at a distance and formal behavior
expected from them. Most come from rural background and a western home would
be great cultural shock for them if exposed too fast and too suddenly.
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Only two utility services (Electricity, Gas) people come
every month to check meters readings. Verify before allowing them into
premises. They have no business inside the house. Never let them into the
house. Phone company people may come in the house but only if there is a
complaint registered by you.
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Children should be always accompanied by elders, in parks
and public places.
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If you like to carry a gun, license can be obtained from
Deputy Commissioner. Carrying unlicensed weapon is a crime. Even a dagger
needs a license.
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