Despite the presence of certain conservative areas in Pakistan, one can see the effect of many cultures in the society off late. Pakistan today, shows a mix of various cultures and traditions seen in the dressing as well as food habits of a person. Pakistanis display a strong attachment to cricket (although the national sport is field hockey) and fanatics completely immerse themselves into this game. Off late, Pakistani music has also made a mark especially in India. ‘Junoon’, a Pakistani rock group has recently established its own identity in India. ‘Strings’ tasted success with their song ‘Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar’ and had many more songs to their credit following this track. Despite the success of Pakistani songs and singers (of the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) particularly in India, Indian movies face a Government ban regardless of their popularity with Pakistanis!

There are many factors that help to establish the identity of a nation despite all these influences. Be it the language or the sense of dressing, there are many more things, which speak volumes about the culture of a particular nation.

With the effects of globalization; currently, Pakistan also tends to be heavily influenced with cultures from the west. One can even witness a mixture of various cuisines out here. Even then, most families stick to their traditions and customs. This is probably why you can find a blend of the modern cultures and traditions in Pakistan.

One feature still prevalent in Pakistan is the traditional clothing seen out here. There are many women and men who prefer to stick to traditional clothing of Pakistan although a majority wears western attire. Pakistani clothing, like Indian clothing, holds significance during many ceremonies and festivals celebrated throughout the year. Various forms of Pakistani traditional clothing are on similar lines to those spotted in India! Here’s a detailed look at the traditional clothing of Pakistan.

Traditional Clothing of Pakistan:
Salwar kameez (shalwar qameez) is the national dress of Pakistan. Salwars are loose trousers designed in various styles. Originally, the salwars were flared towards the bottom with embellishments or fancy cutwork. Today, there are many variations of the same. At times, the bottom of the salwar is narrow and fitting. The salwar kameez is important especially during the festivals celebrated in Pakistan, for men as well as women. Salwar kameez is also popular due to the comfort factor. The salwar is tied at the waist with the help of a drawstring and more recently; elastic is also used for the same purpose. The fit is generally baggy or tapering. Narrow tight fitting salwars are known as churidars. These have become a rage in the recent years even in India.

The kameez is large and loose fitting tunic worn with the baggy salwar. Men as well as women wear the same attire, with a difference in the colors used, fits, silhouettes and the kind of embellishments used. Interesting patterns woven with lace are used to add femininity to the kameez. Women also use a dupatta with the salwar kameez. Dupattas are long yards of cloth available along with the salwar kameez because their color and pattern is coordinated as per the entire ensemble. Women also wear scarves or shawls with the salwar kameez that is used to wrap around the head and neck area. A variety of synthetic or cotton fabrics are used in the creation of the salwar kameez.

Although the sherwani originated in India during the 18th century, it is also the national dress for men in Pakistan. Off late, sherwanis designed for women are gaining popularity. A sherwani is a long coat worn with a salwar. Sherwanis are generally made from heavy fabrics.

The achkan is yet another important dress of Pakistan. An achkan is a long jacket, which also originated in the 19th century in India. These are long sleeved coats reaching all the way to the knees. At times, achkan can even go lower.

Apart from the traditional clothing worn by Pakistanis, on similar lines with India, one can see other forms of western attire as well. But the traditional clothing definitely has a strong foothold in the modern society even today.