Pakistan was established through partition from India in 1947 intended to become a homeland for India's Muslim minority. Today this young country has a growing population of more than 185 million people and is home to the 2nd largest Muslim population in the world.
These days, political unrest and friction with India often dominate international news about Pakistan.
What is life really like in Pakistan?
Today, Pakistan is about 95 % Muslim - there are populations practicing Hinduism and Christianity here, but for the vast majority of the country to be Pakistani is to practice Islam. Religion is a staple of early education. Young students are taught to memorize the Quran in Arabic. Even through Pakistan. Primary language are Urdu and English. here the interpretation of the Quran and other Islamic texts tends not to be as strict as in, say, Saudia Arab.So, for example, while women generally do cover their heads, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have to wear an abaya or a burqa - although even that is beginning to change.
What has remained consistent, however is that socioeconomic classes are primarily divided by ethnicity and religion. The lower class represents about 65 % of Pakistan, with ethnic groups like Baluchi, Pashtun, and Shia Muslim more likely to live in rural areas lacking fresh water, sanitation, medical and educational resources.
On the flip side, Sunni Muslims, Punjabi's, and Muhajirs are generally wealthy and are able to hire cooks, maids, and drivers. What all socioeconomic classes have in common is a deep respect for the elder members of their communities.
Elders are introduced first in social situations, are greatly valued for their wisdom, even getting the best cuts of meats during every meal.
What about the younger generation?
For young Pakistanis, school is not a given: Pakistan has almost 5.5 million children out of school. That's the second highest number in the world after Nigeria. If you're unable to pursue an education, you're most likely working in the agriculture or textile industry. Arable land and water are Pakistan's greatest natural resources, allowing the country to be one of the largest producers of cotton. But it is worth nothing that access to education and employment is mostly limited to men, women in Pakistan face significant challenges in obtaining either.
According to the 2012 annual report from Human rights Commission of Pakistan, women are often " attacked and killed on account of asserting their rights to education, work and generally for choosing to have a say in key decisions in their lives." And of the 20% of women who are able to find work, most can only find low paying insecure jobs. but, Pakistani women are fighting for change. Activists such as Farida Shaheed, Khawar Mumtaz, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai are on the forefront of the fight for women's rights in society, employment and education.
Finally, being Pakistani means having to deal with a certain almost of political tumult on a regular basis.
