In the summer of this year, my husband and I had the great opportunity to spend six weeks in Pakistan, particularly exploring the Northern part of the country. The experience was nothing short of incredible, and we discovered that Pakistan is a country that never stops giving, especially in the North. While there is so much to tell about Pakistan, this article will focus on the stark differences we noticed between life in Pakistan and Europe, particularly the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the people of Pakistan.
As someone who had lived in Europe for over fifteen years, I had always thought that life in Europe was the epitome of luxury. However, my experience in Pakistan challenged this notion, and I realized that what I had known about luxury was nothing compared to what I witnessed in Pakistan.
Here are just a few examples of how people in Pakistan live like royalty:
One: Domestic Help is the Norm
In Europe, having a personal cook is considered a luxury and something only the rich can afford. However, in Pakistan, it is the norm to have someone to make tea, cook, and clean up after meals. By having domestic help, not only do you get the luxury of having someone to do the household chores, but you also help employ someone and provide for their family.
Helping others and less fortunate than oneself is part of the Islamic religion, and it is a beautiful part of the culture that the people of Pakistan live and breathe. The Quran states, “Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression…” (Quran 5:2).
Having a cook in Europe is only for the elite few who can afford it. However, in Pakistan, it is a common occurrence, and everyone can enjoy the luxury of having domestic help.
Two: The Norm is to Have a Driver
In Europe, having a personal driver is another luxury reserved for the rich and famous. However, in Pakistan, having a driver is the norm, and almost every household has one. In fact, many households also have a security guard stationed at the entrance to their home.
By employing a driver, you not only have someone to drive you around, but you also help provide for their family. For many drivers, having a job means the world to them, and it is incredibly rewarding to be able to employ someone and see the value it brings to their life.
While it may be common to have a driver in the workplace in Europe, having a personal driver at home is not something that is common or even necessary for most Europeans. However, in Pakistan, it is an essential part of daily life.
Three: Daily Housecleaning is the Norm
In Europe, having a cleaner come to your home once or twice a week is considered a luxury that only a few can afford. However, in Pakistan, it is the norm to have someone come in and clean your home every day. By employing someone who needs work, you give them the self-respect and financial means they need to provide for themselves and their family.
It is an incredible feeling to be able to help someone by providing them with a job and seeing the positive impact it has on their life. While it is not uncommon to have a cleaner in Europe, having one come to your home every day is not something that most people can afford or even see the need for.
Four: Tailored Clothing is a Common Occurrence
In Pakistan, having your clothes tailored to your exact measurements and specifications is the norm. The result is stunning, with intricate designs and vibrant colors that highlight the beauty of Pakistani culture. Men and women alike have beautiful jackets, shalwar kameez, and sarees made to fit their bodies perfectly, accentuating their unique features and personalities. This cultural practice of tailoring clothes has been passed down for generations, and it remains an essential aspect of Pakistani fashion and identity.
Pakistani fashion has a rich history that reflects the diverse cultures and traditions of the region. The intricate embroidery, detailed stitching, and vibrant colors of Pakistani clothing are inspired by the Mughal era, which brought a fusion of Indian and Persian culture to the region. The influence of Islamic art and architecture is also visible in the intricate patterns and designs that adorn Pakistani clothing.
The traditional clothing of Pakistan includes shalwar kameez, sarees, and lehengas for women, and kurtas, sherwanis, and waistcoats for men. The shalwar kameez, which consists of a long tunic and loose-fitting pants, is the most common outfit worn by both men and women. It is often paired with a dupatta, a long scarf that is draped over the head and shoulders.
The saree is a traditional Indian garment that has been embraced by Pakistani women. It is a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body and over the shoulder, creating an elegant and feminine silhouette. Sarees come in a variety of materials, including silk, chiffon, and cotton, and are often adorned with intricate embroidery and beading.
The lehenga is a long skirt that is often worn with a matching blouse and dupatta. It is a popular choice for weddings and other formal occasions, as it creates a regal and elegant look. Lehengas come in a variety of styles, from heavily embroidered and embellished to more simple and understated designs.
For men, the traditional clothing of Pakistan includes kurtas, which are long tunics that are often worn with loose-fitting pants. Kurtas come in a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, and linen, and are often adorned with intricate embroidery and beading. Sherwanis are a more formal option for men, featuring a long jacket that is worn over a kurta and pants. They are often made from luxurious materials such as silk and and saris made to fit their exact measurements, making them look and feel their best.
In Europe, custom-made clothing is typically reserved for special occasions or for the very wealthy. However, in Pakistan, having tailored clothing is an everyday occurrence and accessible to everyone. This not only supports the local economy and provides jobs for tailors but also allows people to express their unique style and culture through their clothing.
Five: Generosity and Hospitality are Part of Everyday Life
One of the most striking differences we noticed during our time in Pakistan was the warmth and generosity of the people. Hospitality is an essential part of Pakistani culture, and guests are treated with the utmost respect and kindness. Whether it's a cup of tea, a meal, or a place to stay, Pakistanis will go out of their way to make sure that their guests feel welcome and taken care of.
Furthermore, giving to those in need is an integral part of the culture, and it is common to see people donating money to the less fortunate or providing food and shelter to those in need. The Islamic concept of Zakat, which involves giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need, is also practiced widely in Pakistan.
In Europe, while hospitality is still a valued trait, it is not as ingrained in the culture as it is in Pakistan. People tend to keep to themselves more and may not go out of their way to help others as much. However, witnessing the generosity and hospitality of the Pakistani people was truly humbling and a beautiful reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion towards others.
Conclusion
Overall, our time in Pakistan was a truly eye-opening experience, and we discovered that the country is much more than what is portrayed in the media. The luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by many in Pakistan, with domestic help, drivers, daily housecleaning, tailored clothing, and hospitality, was a stark contrast to what we had experienced in Europe.
However, what stood out the most was the warmth and generosity of the people. Despite the challenges that many Pakistanis face, such as poverty and political instability, they remain kind, compassionate, and welcoming to others. The country's culture and traditions, rooted in Islamic values, encourage generosity and helping others, making it a truly unique and special place.
As we reflect on our time in Pakistan, we are grateful for the experience and the opportunity to learn and grow from the people we met. We hope that others will have the chance to discover the beauty of Pakistan and its people, and that the stereotypes and misconceptions that exist in the media will be challenged and dismantled.
0 Post a Comment:
Post a Comment