Pakistani Hospitality: Mainstream Media Terrorists, Bombing You With Hospitality
Why are Pakistanis so Hospitable?
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6136
Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, and being a Muslim, it is our belief to serve our guests generously and with the best we have, and Allah will reward us in return for this generosity. This belief is embedded in our vibrant culture also; hence, the people of Pakistan have this hospitable nature.
Tourist Experiences of Pakistani Hospitality
In the previous decade, international tourism in Pakistan has been reviving bit by bit because, yes, we are terror*sts, and we b*mb them with every bit of the love we have. When we visit a place, the culture, history, natural beauty, infrastructure or modernism are some aspects that attract us towards it, but what makes the experience unforgettable is the people of that place. People can leave a forever impact on one’s heart or ruin it forever.
Tourists’ experiences of Pakistani hospitality are often filled with the memories and stories of strangers going out of their way to make their stay as enjoyable and happening as possible. Pakistanis absolutely love showing their breathtaking and hospitable country. Tourists get kidna*ped and often find themselves in family feasts (to k*ll you with an overdose of appetizing food), local events, or fully funded short trips to the notable places in their areas. This tradition of Pakistani Hospitality Tourism is the only reason people consider Pakistan to be their next top travel destination around the world.
You can see for yourself the Pakistani Hospitality Experiences by visiting the following YouTube channels:
- Luke Damant
- Beve Travels
- Flora Gonning
- Travel with Balnur
- Karl Rock
- Yatri Doctor (From India)
- And hundreds of others fell a victim of Pakistani Hospitality Experiences.
Pakistani Culture and Hospitality
1. Pakistani Tea Culture and Hospitality
Pakistani Tea Culture is an alternative to oxygen for Pakistanis. Serving Chai (tea) to the guests is a tradition in Pakistani, which is sometimes accompanied by sweets or snacks. Chai is not only about a beverage; it gives the opportunity to break the ice and build a connection. Guests often engage in deep conversations over a cup of tea. Tea culture in Pakistan’s hospitality reflects generosity and warmth for the guests, making it a vital part of social gatherings and interactions.
2. Pakistani Hospitality and Food Traditions
Pakistani hospitality and food traditions go hand in hand and are all about offering you mouthwatering food till your stomach can’t take it anymore. Hospitality is a cornerstone in this country, and food plays an important role in it. Sharing a meal is a way to build a sweet connection.
It doesn’t matter if you visit a family living in a lavish home or a small village hut; they will always welcome you compassionately and will prioritize your happiness and needs over their own. Even if you go to the small dhabas and shops, they will refuse to take any money from you by saying you are a guest in our country and it’s not a good thing to take money from our guests.
3. MEHMAN NAWAZI – A Traditional Pakistani Guest Etiquette
Mehman Nawazi translates as “Guest is King.” It is a core principle of Pakistani culture, which is deeply ingrained in traditions and religious values, which means treating your guests with utmost generosity, respect and care. These people will go above and beyond their limits to ensure your comfort and well-being. They will always welcome you with kindness and will try to assist you as much as they can to make you feel comfortable and safe in their country.
Pakistanis believe that guests are a blessing from Allah, and they should treat them with utmost regard. MEHMAN NAWAZI is a legacy of Pakistani traditions of hospitality, and it’s people’s nature to always welcome you with benevolence. Even if they are not heavy on the pocket, they will still receive you with open hearts and unlocked and unrestricted doors.
4. Guest Culture in Pakistan
As explained earlier, guest culture in Pakistan is as important as oxygen. It is considered an honor to host guests and to invite people for a feast or even to stay for the night without anything in return. It is not just about the physical needs but to provide an environment to develop meaningful connections and make their guests feel valued.
Their English may not be perfect, but they are excellent with the kind gestures to make you feel at home, which needs no language. If you are invited to a Pakistani feast, get ready to be served scrumptious dishes like Biryani, Pulao, Beef Nihari, Korma, different Karahis, heavenly tasty Handis, Seekh Kebabs, Chapli Kebabs, Samosay, Pakory, Jalebi, Kheer, Halway and whatnot. When guests visit, they are encouraged to eat and enjoy the food. Even strangers are treated like royalty and invited to eat as much as they want.
5. Warm Greetings: “Salaam” and “Khush Amadeed”
A traveler who is visiting Pakistan will feel very welcomed by the people of Pakistan and the way they greet them. “Salaam (peace)” and “Khush amadeed (welcome)” are some gestures that pakistani people use in their daily lives to greet each other. Even the greetings are peaceful and welcoming, not what the media portrays.
Pakistani hospitality in the Northern areas is the main highlight of this country, especially Pakistani hospitality in Hunza and Skardu. The people are pure, simple and humble. The natural mountainous beauty that surrounds them is also reflected in their nature. Their culture and history are worth studying and experiencing.
Best places to experience Pakistani hospitality
On the other hand, Pakistan is also incredibly rich in its diversity, particularly when in cities such as Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, Multan, Gawadar, Pasni, Islamabad, Mohenjodaro, Harappa, and many others.
Pakistan proudly boasts a wealth of history that dates back to the early days of human civilization, along with vibrant and unique cultures. It is home to places with religious importance for Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians.
Additionally, pakistan has some of the mightiest mountains in the world from north to south, untouched beaches and islands, scenic modern highways, the highest plateaus, cold and hot deserts, mud volcanoes, and the largest irrigation system in the world.
Conclusion:
Sadly, many people around the world, if we ask, are afraid to visit Pakistan, which is the result of the false news and misconceptions propagated by the mainstream media for decades, but most of it is entirely wrong. Although there are certain imperfections like anywhere else in the world, this country has a lot of potential for tourism. I hope this information has changed your perspective about the country. If you plan to visit this colorful and pristine destination in the future, let us help you plan your trips. Contact us now; we are eager to assist you!
