Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world with a population of over X million. With an area of 201 km 2 , the country is the 36 th largest in the world. The territory that forms Pakistan is considered to be the cradle of civilization that has housed several ancient cultures. Pakistan has been ruled by several dynasties and empires, including the Mauryan sultanate, Achaemenid, Mongolian, Mughal and Delhi. There are over 60 languages spoken in Pakistan. Urdu is the official national language and a symbol of national unity understood by 80% of Pakistanis. Pakistan has six major ethnic groups and other ethnic minorities.
punjabi
The Punjabi people are the ethnic majority in the Punjab region of Pakistan and North India, representing 44.7% of the population in Pakistan. The group belongs to the Indo-Aryan ethnic group. Punjabi identity is traditionally cultural, linguistic and geographic and is independent of religion and historical origin. Punjabi activities in the Indus Valley led to early civilization in the 5 th and 4 thmillennium BC. During the same period, the group was led by small kingdoms and tribes, but it was then led by local kings. The Punjabi people tolerate several religions. However, Muslims and Hindus form the religious majority among the Punjabi. Sikhism and Christianity are also practiced in the region. Punjabi culture is that of the Punjab region, one of the oldest cultures in the world. Culture includes poetry, spirituality, weapons, music, cuisine, language, history and values.
punjabi
The Punjabi people are the ethnic majority in the Punjab region of Pakistan and North India, representing 44.7% of the population in Pakistan. The group belongs to the Indo-Aryan ethnic group. Punjabi identity is traditionally cultural, linguistic and geographic and is independent of religion and historical origin. Punjabi activities in the Indus Valley led to early civilization in the 5 th and 4 thmillennium BC. During the same period, the group was led by small kingdoms and tribes, but it was then led by local kings. The Punjabi people tolerate several religions. However, Muslims and Hindus form the religious majority among the Punjabi. Sikhism and Christianity are also practiced in the region. Punjabi culture is that of the Punjab region, one of the oldest cultures in the world. Culture includes poetry, spirituality, weapons, music, cuisine, language, history and values.
Pashtun
Pashtun is a predominant ethnic group in Afghanistan and Pakistan, characterized as warriors. This ethnic group forms 15.4% of the Pakistani population. There has been a debate over who qualifies as Pashtun, but the widely accepted view is that the Pashtuns are Eastern Iranians who speak Pashtu as their mother tongue. Traditionally, a Pashtun must be a Muslim and adhere to the Pashtunwali code. Therefore, only those who have a Pashtun father can be considered Pashtun. The Pashtunwali code defines the culture of Pashtun and implies an autonomous tribal system that controls all aspects of the group. Guests seeking help from Pashtuns are highly regarded and treated with dignity and respect.
sindhi
The Sindhi are from the province of Sindh in Pakistan. This ethnic group constitutes 14.1% of the Pakistani population. Sindh province has been one of the places most influenced by Islam due to its location. Muslims had a great influence on the Hindus who originally resided in the region. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, most of the Sindhis emigrated to India to live there some of the members of the group. Pakistanis in Pakistan are mainly Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. The culture of Sindhis is strongly influenced by Islam, especially the traditional first names.
Saraiki
Saraiki is a subgroup of the Punjabi people in Pakistan and speaks the Saraiki dialect spoken by the Punjabi. This ethnic group constitutes 8.4% of the Pakistani population although the majority of Saraiki is counted among the Punjabi groups. The Saraiki practice several religions but the majority is Muslim with a Christian minority. The culture of the Saraikis was strongly influenced by the Punjabis because of their close association.
Minor ethnic groups
The minor ethnic groups of Pakistan include the Muhajir who are mainly of Arab origin and form the 7.6% of the population. Balochistan is located in the southwestern part of Pakistan and forms 3.6% of Pakistanis.
Ethnic groups in Pakistan
| Rank | Ethnic group | Share of Pakistani population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | punjabi | 44.7% |
| 2 | Pashtun | 15.4% |
| 3 | sindhi | 14.1% |
| 4 | Sariaki | 8.4% |
| 5 | Muhajir | 7.6% |
| 6 | Balochi | 3.6% |
| * | Other groups | 6.2% |