Culture, Society & Demographics of Pakistan

Pakistan's Cultural Tapestry

Pakistan's culture and society questions appear in GK and Pakistan Affairs sections of all competitive exams. Understanding the country's diverse heritage is essential.

1. Demographics

• Population: Approximately 240+ million (5th most populous country)
• Capital: Islamabad (since 1967)
• Largest City: Karachi (~18 million)
• Literacy Rate: Approximately 62%
• Major Languages: Urdu (national), English (official), Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Saraiki

2. Cultural Heritage & UNESCO Sites

• Mohenjo-daro - Indus Valley Civilization site (Sindh)
• Taxila - Ancient Gandhara civilization (Punjab)
• Lahore Fort & Shalimar Gardens - Mughal architecture
• Rohtas Fort - Built by Sher Shah Suri (Jhelum)
• Makli Necropolis - World's largest necropolis (Thatta, Sindh)
• Buddhist Ruins at Takht-i-Bahi - Gandhara heritage (KP)

3. Languages & Literature

• Urdu: National language, widely used in media and education
• Punjabi: Most spoken language (~44% of population)
• Sindhi: Provincial language of Sindh
• Pashto: Spoken in KP and Balochistan
• Balochi: Provincial language of Balochistan
• Saraiki: Spoken in southern Punjab

4. Notable Cultural Figures

• Allama Iqbal - National poet, philosopher
• Faiz Ahmad Faiz - Revolutionary poet, Lenin Peace Prize winner
• Abdus Salam - Nobel Prize in Physics (1979)
• Malala Yousafzai - Nobel Peace Prize (2014)
• Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Qawwali maestro

5. Festivals & Traditions

• Eid ul-Fitr & Eid ul-Adha - Primary religious celebrations
• Basant - Spring kite festival (Punjab)
• Shandur Polo Festival - Highest polo ground in the world (Chitral)
• Urs celebrations - Sufi shrine anniversaries across Pakistan