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who left in the late 1940s.
Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural.
The newly born Pakistan had to have a sub continental leaning, having
been a part of for last 5000 years of its civilization. However, the Indus
Valley, present day Pakistan, culture was different from the rest of North
India or South India”. (Quoted Pakistan’s Identity, History and Culture,
from the famous book Gwadar on the Global Chessboard by Nadir Mir).
Literature:
Pakistani literature originates from when Pakistan gained its nationhood
as a sovereign state in 1947. The common and shared tradition of Urdu
literature and English literature of South Asia was inherited by the new
state. Over a period of time, a body of literature unique to Pakistan
has emerged in nearly all major Pakistani languages, including Urdu,
English, Punjabi, Pushto, Seraiki, Balochi, and Sindhi.
Poetry:
Poetry is a highly respected art and profession in Pakistan. The pre-
eminent form of poetry in Pakistan almost always originates in Persian,
due in part to the long standing affiliation the region had with the Persian
Empire. The enthusiasm for poetry exists at a regional level as well,
with nearly all of Pakistan’s provincial languages continuing the legacy.
Since the independence of the country in 1947 and establishment of
Urdu as the national language, poetry is written in that language as
well. The Urdu language has a rich tradition of poetry and includes the
famous poets Dr Allama Iqbal national poet, Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmad
Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Jazib Qureshi and Ahmad Nadeem Qasimi. Apart
from Urdu poetry, Pakistani poetry also has blends of other regional
languages. Balochi, Sindhi, Punjabi, Seraiki, and Pashto poetry have
all incorporated and influenced Pakistani poetry. Poetry in the form of
marsia Salam and naath is also very popular among many Pakistanis.
Recreation and sports:
The official national sport of Pakistan is field hockey with squash and
cricket also very popular. The national cricket team has won the Cricket
World Cup once (in 1992), were runners-up once (in 1999), and co-
hosted the games twice (in 1987 and 1996). Additionally, they have also