Product Description

Until now, in-depth cultural information on Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country formed in 1947 after the dissolution of British rule in India, has been scarce. This crucial South Asian hotspot, in the news for tensions with neighboring India over nuclear capacity and security issues, finally is illuminated for general readers. This narrative encapsulates the historical pluralistic traditions, such as religious practices, languages, and ethnosocial ties, that Pakistanis share with their neighbors. The coverage of culture and customs is contextualized throughout with the richness of the past and present Indus Valley civilization.

The author is a native of Pakistan and provides authoritative insight into the many aspects of history and contemporary life. Western readers will be exposed to a range of folk traditions that coexist with modern influences from globalization. Descriptions of unfamiliar cultural phenomena such as the architecture of shrines and tombs, the distinctive dress of different groups, Pakistani Muslim courtship and marriage rituals, and lively kite-flying contests are some of the highlights.

Customer Reviews (1)

Insights on Pakistan alone
Iftikhar H. Malik's CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF PAKISTAN joins others in the 'Culture and Customs of Asia' series but is especially notable given how much Pakistan is in the daily news lately. Until now in-depth cultural information on Pakistan alone has been hard to find in one place: this survey covers culture and customs past and present, and comes from a native of Pakistan whose insight into history and culture is unparalleled. Descriptions of ethnic, religious, and social customs include plenty of background history and discussion of trends. ... Read more

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The State of Islam tells the story of the Pakistani nation-state through the lens of the Cold War, and more recently the War on Terror, in order to shed light on the domestic and international processes behind the rise of militant Islam across the world. Unlike existing scholarship on nationalism, Islam and the state in Pakistan, which tends to privilege events in a narrowly-defined 'political' realm, Sadia Toor highlights the significance of cultural politics in Pakistan from its origins to the contemporary period. This added dimension allows Toor to explain how the struggle between Marxism and nationalism was influenced and eventually engulfed by the agenda of the religious right. Timely and unique, this book is a must for anyone who wants to understand the origins of modern Pakistan and the likely outcome ofcurrent power struggles in the country. ... Read more

Product Description
The Culture of Power and Governance of Pakistan attempts to explain Pakistan's crisis of governance in historical and philosophical terms. It argues that South Asia's indigenous orientation towards the exercise of power has reasserted itself and produced a regression in the behavior of the ruling elite. This has meant that in the sixty years of independence from British rule the behavior of the state apparatus and political class has become more arbitrary, proprietorial and delusional. The resulting deterioration in the intellectual and moral quality of the state apparatus is a mortal threat to Pakistan. Regrettably, much of the academic and public discussion about developing societies has been vitiated by the heedless repetition of fashionable jargon that emphasizes national security, democracy and development. The Culture of Power and Governance of Pakistandraws upon the primary declassified record of Pakistan and a diverse array of theoretical inputs to try and balance the debate on the crisis of governance. ... Read more

Product Description
This work is intended for children aged 9-14 years. Pakistan is a new nation with ancient cultures and traditions. This book explores the country's religions, languages, celebrations, and practices. Topics include: the different sects of Islam; Ramadan, Eid, Muharram; the Basant kite festival; arts and crafts, including calligraphy and pottery; carpet making; the sufi poetry tradition and Qawwali singing; Moghul architecture; and common sayings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Only a picture book!
This is only a picture book; I gave it one star because the pictures are very good. The content does not live up to the photography.The book only reflects the glories of the past. There no pictures of the capital of Pakistan, no pictures of tribal groups, no pictures of the picturesque painted buses, no pictures of protesting crowds, no picture of contemporary textiles, buildings, life styles. It reveals nothing about tribal structure, religious sects, political and governmental organizatiions. The book is much-glorified history, not culture. It shows off the cruel art of ancient regimes, not the culture of the people today. I have rarely been so disappointed in a book.
... Read more

Product Description
You'll never feel intimidated and awkward about the customs and etiquette of another country again. With the insights provided in this CULTURE SHOCK! Guide, you'll learn to see beyond the stereotypes and misinformation that often precede a visit to a foreign land. Whether you plan to stay for a week or for a year, you'll benefit from such topics as understanding the rules of driving and monetary systems, religious practices and making friends. There are tips on political traditions, building business relationships, and the particular intricacies of setting up a home or office.Great for the business traveler, the foreign exchange student, or the tourist who makes a sincere attempt to cross the bridge into a new and exciting culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

You will learn what most Pakistanis don't even know
I have lived in Pakistan three years and this book helped me understand the culture as though I lived there my entire life. It is full of useful details on traditions, food, religion, ethnic groups , festivals,laws, you name it.

There are no long-winded historical narratives with names and dates shot at you like machine gun fire. Instead we get down-to-earth accounts of what day to day life is all about. The reader can sense her observations have been made from decades of first-hand experiences. There are very few generalizations and stereotypes discussed as is common with other such culture books.

The author wrote in a reverent and non-judgmental manner. You can tell she has developed a great respect for what foreigners perceive as a backward culture. I do not agree with the other reviewers who says she is sexist. She is just telling it as it is. Considering she has lived there 40+ years by her own choice, I trust she knows what she is talking about.

rather unbalanced
althought this book is relativly well written and candid it seems as though the author does to full understand the culture and often misrepresents it. the pictures (although black and white) are quite nice and the descriptions of the elite in themajor cities such as karachi and lahore are close to true but not always agreeable. I visited pakistan for my friends wedding a few months ago and this book contradicts most of what i learned about their culture and ceremonies. what i found most misrepresented was the issue of sexism in pakistan. the author mentions how women have less authority than men but conveniently forgets to mention the respect and facilities they are awarded as mothers,sisters, and wives. all in all i felt this book isnt the best way to go if you really want to understand the country and the people of pakistan, this book isnt the best way to go.

Not for Professional Women.....
I work in foreign assistance and am very much looking forward to moving to Pakistan for my next job.I bought this book, as I have bought others in the "culture shock" series when I have worked/traveled in other developing countries for extended periods.

Unfortunately, this book seems to be written for men.At first I thoughtit was just poor editing and choice of words (i.e. using masculine he/his/him pronouns without it being clear if the advice was meant to apply to men or to men AND women) then it became obvious that I was just being left out.The sectiions about women are preoccupied with clothes and shopping, and in a few sections -- most notably the one on the workplace -- it actually starts refers to a few things for "your wife" (i.e, playing hostess) to do to "help".As a single woman professional, I'm pretty disgusted that this section made NO reference to issues or etiquette that I must consider if I am to succeed at my next job.

And, just to add appalling icing on the cake....... the "sex" section consists solely of how I can find a prosititute despite the banning of brothels and how not to get conned by their pimps.

ARGH!!!!!!!

Not for Professional Women.....
I work in foreign assistance and am very much looking forward to moving to Pakistan for my next job.I bought this book, as I have bought others in the "culture shock" series when I have worked/traveled in other developing countries for extended periods.

Unfortunately, this book seems to be written for men.At first I thoughtit was just poor editing and choice of words (i.e. using masculine he/his/him pronouns without it being clear if the advice was meant to apply to men or to men AND women) then it became obvious that I was just being left out.The sectiions about women are preoccupied with clothes and shopping, and in a few sections -- most notably the one on the workplace -- it actually starts refers to a few things for "your wife" (i.e, playing hostess) to do to "help".As a single woman professional, I'm pretty disgusted that this section made NO reference to issues or etiquette that I must consider if I am to succeed at my next job.

And, just to add appalling icing on the cake....... the "sex" section consists solely of how I can find a prosititute despite the banning of brothels and how not to get conned by their pimps.

ARGH!

I definately recommend this book
I think most people are smart enough to take things in context.Not everywhere and every situation will match cultural norms, but this book is the best place to start on Pakistan. I look forward to reading others in this seriesas I travel elsewhere.I read the travel books on Pakistan but this one gave the most preparation to the culture and what to expect while most books tell you places or events of interest.

A definite must when heading that direction!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This work is intended for children aged 9-14 years. From the Indus Plain to the Himalaya, this book explores the varied geography of a place shaped by extremes in climate and precipitation. Children will enjoy learning about Pakistan's ancient archaeological sites, city and rural life, and industry and transportation. Topics include: the famous Indus River and Thar Desert; four enormous mountain ranges, including the Himalaya; monsoon rains and flooding; exotic cities and their beguiling bazaars; the Indus Valley civilisation; the world's largest irrigation system; mountain glaciers; and the winding and often dangerous Karadoram Highway. ... Read more

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This book is to date the first and only study on Pakistan's foreign policy and decision-making process. It discusses the hows and whys of its policy as it has developed from a domestic to an international view. Post 9/11 changes required a fundamental change in self image and world view that went beyond the act of becoming a US ally in Afghanistan, or abandoning the policy of supporting the Taliban. The main topic of the study is identification of those changes, their requirements and some basic proposals for additional changes. The book also traces the historical, international and domestic context of Pakistan's Post 9/11 Afghan Policy. It analyses the regional impact of that decision, the domestic debate that it generated, and concludes with identification and implications for changes in Pakistan that are required for the sustenance of its new policies. ... Read more

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When compared to studies of the Indian diaspora, or even in the wider framework of diaspora studies, there is relatively meager research about the Pakistani diaspora. This collection is the first to bring together the extant literature and provide both a historical and contemporary set of accounts. It is primarily about the processes associated with migration and settlement as seen from the receiving end. Even though Roger Ballard and Junaid Rana offer accounts of Pakistan's political economy, it is only in Frances Watkins chapter that migrant voices within Pakistan themselves speak. Even in this chapter their life stories are focused on the impact of migration. Though, given the transnational frame in which many Pakistani diasporic communities live, it is not really possible to solely focus on the place of settlement. Indeed, the shift from migration studies to transnational or diaspora research reflects the empirical reality of a non-linear dynamics inherent in migratory movements. Historically the notion that people move and settle in a sequential and traceable manner has been rightly disputed and the circular nature of migratory movements has come to the fore. Even though the issues that are raised in the majority of the chapters are concerned with adaptation and change in new environments, these are always linked or referenced to a transnational frame. ... Read more

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The number of global polio cases has fallen dramatically and eradication is within sight, but despite extraordinary efforts, polio retains its grip in a few areas. Anthropologist Svea Closser follows the trajectory of the polio eradication effort in Pakistan, one of the last four countries in the world with endemic polio. Journeying from vaccination campaigns in rural Pakistan to the center of global health decision making at the World Health Organization in Geneva, the author explores the historical and cultural underpinnings of eradication as a public health strategy, and reveals the culture of optimism that characterizes--and sometimes cripples--global health institutions.

With a keen ethnographic eye, Closser describes the complex power negotiations that underlie the eradication effort at every level, tracking techniques of resistance employed by district health workers and state governments alike. This book offers an analysis of local politics, social relations, and global political economy in the implementation of a worldwide public health effort, with broad implications for understanding what is possible in global health, now and for the future.

This book is the recipient of the annual Norman L. and Roselea J. Goldberg Prize for the best project in the area of medicine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Good
In today's difficult political and economic environment, this is a concise analysis of the troubles encountered when implementing a medical solution for a complex social health problem.The analysis provides solutions that will help efforts to eradicate polio.

Fascinating Scientific Research
Scientifically sound.Well researched. Well written.A valuable work. Very interesting to read.I think that even people outside the field would benefit from Ms Closser's conclusions and her personal experiences in Pakistan. ... Read more

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An examination of the economic and cultural implications of the massive national and international movements of ordinary people in a single Muslim society - Pakistan. Topics covered range from nationhood and nationalities to migration, death and martrydom in rural Pakistan. ... Read more

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This analysis of the emergence of a new entrepreneurial class in the Punjab explores the dynamic relationship between traditional society and modern industrial culture in the developing world. Professor Weiss goes beyond standard development theories to incorporate the often-neglected internal variable of culture. She analyzes the impact of cultural factors such as kinship obligations, orientations towards work and labour, and religious values on the activities of the Punjabi entrepreneurs and their experiences with industrial growth and socio-economic change. The study, anchored in primary research on three types of key emerging industries (import substitution, basic manufacturing, and export-oriented manufacturing), provides an assessment of class formation and economic development in a post-colonial state. ... Read more

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This book examines the political dimension of Islam in predivided Pakistan (1947-1971), one of the first new Muslim nations to commit itself to an Islamic political order and one in which the national debate on Islamic, political, and ideological issues has been the most persistent, focused, and rich of any dialogues in the contemporary Muslim world. Nasim Jawed draws on the findings of a survey he conducted among two influential social groups--the ulama (traditional religious leaders) and the modern professionals--as well as on the writings of Muslim intellectuals. He probes the major Islamic positions on critical issues concerning national identity, the purpose of the state, the form of government, and free, socialist, and mixed economies. This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of Islam's political culture worldwide, since the issues, positions, and arguments are often similar across the Muslim world. The empirical findings of the study not only outline the ideological backdrop of contemporary Islamic reassertion, but also reveal diversity as well as tensions within it. ... Read more

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An introduction to the geography, history, economy, culture, and people of Pakistan. ... Read more

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Explores how the history, climate, geography, and religion of Pakistan have shaped the customs and practices of modern daily life. ... Read more

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This title has three themes: language, education, and culture. The way they relate to each other and to the central issues of the distribution of power in Pakistan is the major focus of the book. It also deals with the way language, language-planning, and the use of language in educational and cultural domains relate to power. This book is intended for scholars and students of socio-linguistics, historians, political scientists, and the general reader interested in South Asia. ... Read more