December 03, 2015: CODE PAKISTAN held a discussion on “Pakistan’s Cultural Identity: What are the Sources of our Cultural Pride?” between the students of Abasyn University and various madrasahs of Islamabad. Multiple dimensions of culture were discussed by the students of both institutions during the discussion. The role of Islam in determining the cultural ethos of Pakistan was highlighted by the students. Most of the students were of the view that since Islam had become an important aspect of people’s lives in Pakistan, it reflected in their culture. Language was also highlighted as another important source of culture in Pakistan.
While on the one hand, some students emphasized the need for promoting Urdu, on the other, some argued that Urdu wasn’t the language of the people living in areas now constituting Pakistan before its creation. Some madrasah students maintained that the western education system of Pakistan had corrupted the Islamic culture and identity of Pakistan, besides creating a wedge between the students of madrasahs and mainstream education institutions. Some madrasah and university students highlighted the importance of regional cultures in the country and called for greater space for such regional cultures in the national discourse.
Although most of the discussion revolved around the determinants of Pakistan’s culture, in the end some students did make comments about the sources of Pakistan’s cultural pride. There was a consensus, however, that common sources of cultural pride were almost non-existent in Pakistan. The students called for greater attention toward promotion of Pakistani culture and greater understanding of its history.
Dr. Shafqat Huma, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Lahore Medical College, was the moderator of the discussion. Dr. Huma is also a member of the Advisory Board of CODE PAKISTAN. He concluded the discussion by emphasizing the diversity of culture in Pakistan with a blend of Islamic and regional traits. He impressed upon the students that the diversity in culture required greater tolerance, inclusivity, and appreciation for diversity.
The discussion was part of the University Madrasah Interaction Program (UMIP), which aims to bring the students of madrasahs and universities closer to each other by promoting positive and meaningful interaction between them. A total of ten discussions will be held between the students of Abasyn University and madrasahs under UMIP. For more details on UMIP, please click here.