Pakistan Association

Background

Pakistan appeared on the World map as the result of the independence from British India on August 14, 1947.

The revolution started in the aftermath of Indian rebellion of 1857, which culminated in 90 years of direct rule by the British Crown. The freedom struggle was led by the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League. The efforts were led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Gandhi respectively to coin a separate nation for Muslims and Hindus, hence Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Pakistan is divided into 4 provinces; Sind, Punjab, N.W.F.P (North West Frontier of Pakistan), and Baluchistan. Each province has a different language, culture, and tradition.

Pakistan is located in Central Asia neighboring with following countries.

• North East = China
• East / South East = India
• West = Iran
• North West = Afghanistan
• South (Arabian Sea)

Pakistan lies in the temperate zone. The climate is generally arid, characterized by hot summers and cool or cold winters, and wide variations between extremes of temperature at given locations. There is little rainfall. These generalizations should not, however, obscure the distinct differences existing among particular locations. For example, the coastal area along the Arabian Sea is usually warm, whereas the frozen snow-covered ridges of the Karakoram Range and of other mountains of the far north are so cold year round that they are only accessible by world-class climbers for a few weeks in May and June of each year.


Pakistan has are four seasons: a cool, dry winter from December through February; a hot, dry spring from March through May; the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, from June through September; and the retreating monsoon period of October and November. The onset and duration of these seasons vary somewhat according to location.

The Pakistan flag depicts the following: green is a traditional Islamic color and the crescent and star are also Islamic symbols. The white stripe represents the non-Muslim, minority, religious groups in Pakistan. According to modern meaning, the green represents prosperity; white symbolizes peace; the white crescent represents progress; and the white star represents light and knowledge.

The National symbols of Pakistan are as follows;

• National Animal = Markhor
• National Bird = Chukar
• National Sports = Field Hockey and Polo.
• Most Popular Sport = Cricket
• National Flower = Jasmine
• National Tree = Deodar
• National Fruit = Mango

People

Pakistan has a total population of 165 Million living in 796,095 Sq KM area (around the size of California). The national language of Pakistan is Urdu which is a hybrid of Arabic and Persian. The majority of the population is Muslim about 95%, the remaining 5% include Hindus and Christians.

Customs, Traditions & Celebrations

Some of the Celebrations and Holidays are as follows;

Religious Holidays

• Islamic Holidays follow the lunar calendar which changes from year to year.
• Eid-ul-Fitar is a three day celebration after Ramadan.
• Eid-ul-Adha is a three day holiday after Hujj Pilgrimage
• Islamic New Year (Nov 9th)

Other Holidays

• New Year (Jan 1st)
• Independence Day (14 August)
• Mohammad Ali Jinnah Birth Day (25 December)
• Pakistan Defense Day ( Sep 6th)
• Iqbal’s Birthday What is Independence Day

Independence Day
Pakistan’s Independence Day is observed on 14 August, the day when Partition of India took place. This was the partition of British India that led to the creation, on August 14, 1947 and August 15, 1947, respectively, of the sovereign states of the Dominion of Pakistan (later Islamic Republic of Pakistan and People’s Republic of Bangladesh) and the Union of India (later Republic of India).

The day is a national holiday in Pakistan. The day is celebrated all over the country with flag raising ceremonies, tributes to the national heroes and fireworks taking place in the capital, Islamabad. The main celebrations take place in Islamabad, where the President and Prime Minister raise the national flag at the Presidential and Parliament buildings. They deliver speeches that are televised live. In the speech, the leaders highlight the achievements of the government, goals set for the future and in the words of the father of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, bring “Unity, Faith and Discipline” to its people.

Lifestyle

In Pakistan, the joint family system is very common. The joint family usually comprises father, mother, children, grand father and mother, and they live together in the same family unit. The governing male of the house will play a significant role with respect to the well-being of his family unit. Also, they give good care and take the responsibility to guard their grandparents. Above all, they respect their folks and grandparents! People in Pakistan dearly follow the joint family system and live their life along with their folks.

Pakistan has a vibrant culture and varies from province to province. People of Pakistan enjoy life to its core by engaging in sports, sight seeing, and eating. The country also has a rich heritage in arts, music, dance, and poetry.

Meat, poultry, and seafood are more popular in Pakistan then vegetables. The food cooked is usually grilled or sautéed and is generally spicy.