What in is “Pakistan?” Many people know its neighboring countries, such as India, China, and Afghanistan. However, Pakistan is quite unknown in the minds of many; including our very own FDR community, even though Pakistanis make up a sizable amount of it!

The country is a part of South Asia, along with Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Pakistan is a Muslim majority country, with notable minorities in Hinduism and Christianity. Pakistan is a rather new country, created from the split of British India in 1947.  Did you know that much like the United States, Pakistan is also a country where people campaigned for their rights against British sovereignty?

Pakistan has a unique culture! Beginning with its cuisine, many of its dishes are made using aromatic spices and Halal (slaughtered w/adherence to Islamic guidelines) meat. Various examples being Biryani, Kabuli Pulao, and Sajji. Furthermore, Pakistanis love cricket! It’s thrilling to watch the country face off others in a cricket match! Pakistani people also can’t get over a nice cup of Chai (tea)!

The official languages of Pakistan are Urdu and English. Urdu is a syncretic language, with an indigenous base and significant loans from Persian and Arabic languages. Other languages include Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Balochi. Interestingly, Pakistan has the third largest English-speaking population on the planet! 115 million English-speakers! Did you know that about 49-58% of Pakistanis are comfortable in English? Well, they are!

Pakistan truly is an amazing country with phenomenal people and a captivating culture! Share your next cup of Chai, with a Pakistani. Khuda Hafiz! (May God be your Protector!)