Pakistani Values and Beliefs

As a teacher, it is extremely important to understand the basic values and beliefs of the students in your classroom. Here are a few important facts about the Pakistani Values and Beliefs.

• Religion
• Islam is practiced by the majority of Pakistanis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.
• Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.
• Family
•  Families are quite large by western standards, often having up to 6 children. 
• The extended family is very important in this culture and includes the nuclear family, immediate relatives, distant relatives, tribe members, friends, and even neighbours.
• Education
• Higher education is seen as having an important role in preparing an individual for a successful career. There are nearly one thousand colleges and universities located throughout almost the entire country.
• Values
• Pakistan is a hierarchical society, People are respected because of their age and position. Older people are viewed as wise and are granted respect. In a social situation, they are served first and their drinks may be poured for them. Elders are introduced first, are provided with the choicest cuts of meat, and in general are treated much like royalty.

• Always keep in mind that these are general statements for the majority of people in Pakistan Culture, but many students will hold different beliefs or principals therefore do not make any assumptions. 
• Check with students to see if there is anything you can do in your classroom to help them adhere to any religious obligations such as prayer times. 
• Remember that your students may have a large amount of siblings therefore the amount of one-on-one time parents are able to give students for homework etc. may be limited. 
• Titles are very important in Pakistani culture  and denote respect. It is expected that you will use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name. Therefore, when working with parents of Pakistani students be cautious to use surnames to show respect unless otherwise directed.