Shifting Tides: How Pakistan’s Culture Has Changed in 10 Years
Pakistan has undergone many changes in the past 10 years, and its culture has not been left untouched. Here are ten things that have changed in Pakistan’s culture in the past decade:
Revival of Traditional Arts and Crafts: Traditional Pakistani arts and crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and embroidery, have made a comeback as a means of preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage. Organizations like the Hunar Foundation and the Karachi School of Arts have been instrumental in promoting these traditional skills.
Image Source: Sana Safinaz
Rise of the Fashion Industry: The Pakistani fashion industry has gained international recognition in the past decade, thanks to the unique fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. Designers like HSY, Sana Safinaz, and Elan have put Pakistani fashion on the global map.
Growth of the Music Industry: The music industry in Pakistan has seen a resurgence, with new talent emerging and traditional forms like qawwali and ghazals regaining popularity. Coke Studio, a music television series, has been a driving force behind this growth.
Promotion of Cultural Diversity: Pakistan’s cultural diversity has been increasingly celebrated, with events like the Lahore Literary Festival and the Karachi Biennale showcasing the country’s various cultures and traditions.
Image Source: IMBD
Popularity of Pakistani Cinema: Pakistani cinema has gained significant traction in in the past decade, with films like Khuda Kay Liye and Bol tackling societal issues that highlight and celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.
Emergence of Technology and Social Media: Technology and social media have given people a platform to showcase their culture and traditions to a global audience. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok have now allowed Pakistani content creators to showcase the country’s unique cultures to the world.
Image Source: TCF
Increase in Education: The past decade has seen a renewed focus on education in Pakistan, with education initiatives like those by TCF aimed at promoting literacy and improving access to education.
Boom of the Food Industry: Pakistani cuisine has gained recognition in the global food scene, with Pakistani chefs like Chef Mehboob and Zarnak making a name for themselves. Traditional Pakistani ingredients like saffron and cardamom have also gained popularity, as has the famous “chai” latte.
The Emergence of Startups: The past decade has seen a surge in Pakistani startups, with young entrepreneurs across the nation driving innovation in a variety of industries, from e-commerce to fintech.
Focus on Tourism: The government’s efforts to promote tourism in Pakistan have been successful, with initiatives aimed at showcasing the country’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. The opening of Kartarpur Corridor and increased promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan are just a few examples of these efforts.
These changes have contributed to a renewed sense of pride in Pakistan’s cultural heritage and identity. By preserving and promoting traditional practices while also embracing new opportunities and ideas, Pakistan can continue to thrive and grow.
