Pakistan

Greetings

Men greeting Men - A handshake and a hug is common. Handshakes may linger a bit.

Women greeting Women - A handshake and hug is common. Some women will exchange kisses on the cheek.

Men greeting Women - Very often a nod of acknowledgment will suffice. Handshakes are common as well but it is always best to wait for the woman to extend her hand first.

Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.

Communication Style

• Pakistani’s tend to favor a mix of indirect and direct communication. When speaking to people older than oneself, the style is mostly indirect. When speaking to people one's own age or younger, the style is usually direct.

• Avoid talking about Islamic religion in an insulting manner. Even slight criticism or humor is to be avoided at all costs.

• Humor plays a part in communicating but its bets avoided using it until a friendship is established. Sarcasm does not usually translate well and it’s best to not make jokes about ethnic and/or religious issues.

• It tends to be considered acceptable to interrupt and talk over people during conversations.

• When asked to do something it’s best to avoid answering with a direct “no”. The better answer could be something like I will try, or it’s possible. Pakistanis will often answer with "Inshallah" or "God Willing".

Personal Space & Touch

• An arm's length of personal space is common when speaking to members of the opposite gender. This space tends to be closer with members of the same gender.
• Male friends often walk holding hands or with their arms around each other, but men and women hardly ever display any form of physical affection in public.
• There is a fair amount of touching between men and men and women and women during conversations. This is not the case between genders.

Eye Contact

• Direct eye contact is usually the norm between members of the same gender and age.
• Indirect eye contact is usually the norm when speaking to elders and members of the opposite gender.

• A man making eye contact with a woman on the street is to be avoided as it is considered rude and unethical and can be misconstrued. Same goes for women looking at men.

Gestures

• People usually point towards something using the index finger.

• Putting hand on one’s chest is a way of saying hello, showing respect.

Views of Time

• PST - Pakistani Stretchable Time is the norm where 20 minutes usually denotes an hour. However, in business situations punctuality is expected.
• With shop owners and merchants, punctuality isn't usually valued.

• Time is very free-flowing, people tend to arrive late for everything (meetings, weddings, events). Transport regularly arrives/leaves late.

Gender Roles

• Depending on the area, women’s rights are either established, dawning, or basically non-existent.

• Women are usually not expected to be loud, or seen singing or dancing in public.

• Smaller, rural areas see women as caregivers, mothers, and not much more, although women’s rights groups are beginning to crop up.

• More urban areas have women’s roles comparable to men.
• Foreign women are given more slack in terms of dress, but travelers should wear whatever clothing is accepted in the region they are traveling to.
• Women should ensure they are wearing conservative clothing, not revealing too much skin.

Taboos

• Showing someone the palm of your hand with all fingers outstretched is considered very rude.

• Pushing the nail on your thumb against your front teeth and flicking it is an offensive gesture. It basically means "screw you”.

• It's best to avoid talking about politics and religion with Pakistanis until you have established a strong friendship.

• Avoid talking about Islamic religion in an insulting manner. Even slight criticism or humor is to be avoided at all costs.

Law & Order

• Drugs are illegal and possession of small amounts can carry heavy fines or a mandatory sentence. Drug laws tend to be enforced; especially with foreigners. The penalties for being convicted of trafficking in illegal drugs can be punishable by the death.

• The consumption of alcohol is illegal for Muslims and forbidden by Islamic Law. However, it but can be purchased in some areas and the age is usually 21.

• The smoking age is 18 and is sometimes enforced.

Dress

• Dress tends to be quite conservative for both men and women.
• For Men: conservative, dark colored suits. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off if possible.
• For Women: conservative business suits or dresses and blouses are appropriate. Avoid tight fitting, short shirts, and sleeveless attire. Dresses should not reveal too much of the legs.
• Dress in hotter seasons and parts of the country tends to be less formal.
• Jeans and less casual attire are not recommended for a first meeting.
• Business casual attire may be appropriate in certain industries/areas.

Titles & Business Cards

• When it comes to titles, Pakistani names are usually given in as first name, middle name, and clan name. They can also be given in the order of clan name, first name, middle name. It’s best to address people as Mr./Ms. followed by the clan name, or use the clan name followed by Sahib/Begum.
• It's best to wait to be invited before using someone's first name.
• Business cards are usually exchanged using the right hand or with two hands. Avoid using only the left.
• It’s a good idea to spend some time looking at any business card received before placing it on the table in front of you or in a card holder.

Meetings

• Business meetings are expected to start on time, so punctuality is crucial.
• It's best to greet participants in descending order, starting from the senior most person on down.
• Small talk is expected but not for more than 5-10 minutes. Expect the client to initiate business discussion and end the meeting.

Negotiations

• Bargaining is a key element of negotiations. It's best to always remain calm.
• Making decisions is a laborious process so an immediate answer is not always expected.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not usually brought to a first business meeting.
• If invited to a Pakistani home, it is appropriate to bring chocolate, pastries and/or flowers (avoid white ones). Avoid bringing alcohol.
• Make sure that gifts are nicely wrapped and do not expect them to be opened right away. Gifts are usually opened in private.

• Gifts are usually given with two hands.

In the Classroom

• The university school year differs from place to place, but generally starts around September and ends in June.

• Dress depends on the university. Normally jeans and shirts/t-shirts are common.

  Female students should ensure they are wearing conservative clothing, not revealing too much skin.

• Grades are usually given on the A-F scale, using the GPA system.

• Lecture and group work are most common form of teaching.