Pakistani culture

The society and culture of Pakistan  comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in east, Muhajirs, Makrani in the south; Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi, and Burusho communities in the north. These Pakistani cultures have been greatly influenced by many of the surrounding countries' cultures, such as the Turkic peoples, Persian, Arab, and other South Asian ethnic groups of the Subcontinent, Central Asia and the Middle East.

In ancient times, Pakistan was a major cultural hub. Many cultural practices and great monuments have been inherited from the time of the ancient rulers of the region. One of the greatest cultural influences was that of the Persian Empire, of which Pakistan was a part. In fact, the Pakistani satraps were at one time the richest and most productive of the massive Persian Empire. Other key influences include the Afghan Empire, Mughal Empire and later, the short-lived but influential, the British Empire.

Literature:

Pakistani literature originates from when Pakistan gained its nationhood as a sovereign state in 1947. The common and shared tradition of Urdu literature and English literature of South Asia was inherited by the new state. Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan has emerged in nearly all major Pakistani languages, including Urdu, English, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki, Balochi, and Sindhi.

Poetry:

Poetry is a highly respected art and profession in Pakistan. The pre-eminent form of poetry in Pakistan almost always originates in Persian, due in part to the long standing affiliation the region had with the Persian Empire. The enthusiasm for poetry exists at a regional level as well, with nearly all of Pakistan's provincial languages continuing the legacy. Since the independence of the country in 1947 and establishment of Urdu as the national language, poetry is written in that language as well. The Urdu language has a rich tradition of poetry and includes the famous poets Dr. Allama Iqbal (national poet), Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Jazib Qureshi, and Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi. Apart from Urdu poetry, Pakistani poetry also has blends of other regional languages. Balochi, Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, and Pashto poetry have all incorporated and influenced Pakistani poetry. Poetry in the form of marsia salam and naath is also very popular among many Pakistanis.

Dances:

Kathak - classical dance developed in the Royal courts of the Mughals.

Folk dances are still popular in Pakistan and vary according to region such as:

Punjab

Main article: Folk dances of Punjab

Bhangra - Punjab
Luddi - Punjab
Sammi - Punjab

Jhumar - Saraiki and Balochi folk dance

Baluchistan

Lewa - Baluch folk dance

Chap - Baluch folk dance performed at weddings
Jhumar - Saraiki and Balochi folk dance

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Attan - Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including the unique styles of Quetta and Waziristan

Khattak Dance - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
Chitrali Dance - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Sindh

Dhammal - Performed at Sufi shrines/ dargahs in Punjab and Sindh

Ho Jamalo - Sindhi dance
Jhumro