Ans: Commonality in Regional Cultures Leading to National Integration
and Cohesion:
1. The Effects of Islamic Values:
There are effects of Islamic values thriving in South Asian cultures on
regional cultures of Pakistan. The Muslims coming to South Asia gave the
people a new lifestyle whose central values include brotherhood, equality,
social justice and honesty. These new values appealed to the local people
who were in the grip of a caste system. In a short span of time Islam spread
to all corners of South Asia. Today these regional cultural similarities are a
source of integration and cohesion.
2. Provincial Cultures:
All four provinces of Pakistan have their provincial, cultures. There are
differences in civilization to some extent, present in their customs and
traditions and lifestyles. In spite of regional and linguistic differences, with
the passage of time regional cultural similarities are thriving. Despite living in
different regions, people have the feeling of being close to each other and
irave a sense of being linked to each other. This gives birth to integration
and cohesion. National identity is strengthened which is quite encouraging.
3. Era of Muslim Rulers:
In the Indo-Pak subcontinent, during the era of Muslim rulers, there was
great development in knowledge and literature, music, painting, construction,
calligraphy and languages. In these areas, the prominent works of Muslim
artists are our cultural heritage, and are a means of our recognition. In spite
of different regional affiliations (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan, Baloch) Pakistani
people have feelings of brotherhood. Common religious beliefs foster unity.
4. Education System:
Our education system, the subjects and topics taught are also a source of
focusing attention on cultural similarities. This increases joint cultural values.
For the growth of culture, the minds of children are trained on national lines.
Common cultural values are inculcated in them.
5. Regional Mystical (Sufiana) Poetry & Literature:
Our regional mystical poetry and literature is also a source of expression of
our common cultural heritage. This is present equally in the literature of all areas. There are lessons of mysticism, humanity, peace and justice, love
and cooperation in the works of all authors and poets of national and
regional languages. The poets include Hazrat Sultan Bahu (+) Baba
Bulley Shah ) and Waris Shah () from the Punjab, Hazrat
Sachal Sarmast () and Shah Abdul Latif Bhitaf () from Sindh,
Rahman Baba () from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gul Khan Naseer
from Balochistan. These all religious personalities gave the same teachings
of love, attachment and brotherhood.
6. Local Means of Information:
Our means of information are also a source of expression of similar and
varied cultural elements. Cultural similarities prosper due to this and national
integrity, cohesion and harmony are promoted.
7. Urdu Language as Cohesion:
Urdu has a vital role in producing cohesion in Pakistan. This language is not
associated with a specific region or racial group of Pakistan. It is spoken and
understood all over Pakistan. It is Pakistan’s national language as well as
the language of communication. People of Pakistan have a special relation
with it and a liking for it. After the creation of Pakistan, Urdu was given the
status of the national language. For its development and propagation Urdu
has been made the source of education. The establishment of the Federal
Urdu University holds a prominent place in the progress of Urdu. Urdu has
developed greatly but further development is required so that it plays an.
effective role as a language for education, courses and for official use.