Pakistani Local Customs & Etiquette: A Tourist's Guide

Pakistani people are warm and generous. But they have strong customs. Tourists who follow these rules will be treated like family.

1. Greetings (Salam)

• Say "Assalam-o-Alaikum" (peace be upon you)

• Right hand on heart after greeting shows sincerity

• Men shake hands. Wait for woman to extend hand first.

• Close male friends hug. Never hug opposite gender.

• For elders, touch their feet (younger people)

2. Shoes Off Inside

• Never wear outdoor shoes inside a home

• Slippers are offered at the door

• Walking in socks is acceptable

• Never argue about removing shoes

• Toilet shoes are different from house shoes

3. Right Hand Only

• Right hand for eating, giving, receiving

• Left hand is considered unclean (toilet use)

• Never pass food with left hand

• Never give money or gift with left hand

• Pointing with left finger is very rude

4. Hospitality (Mehman Nawazi)

• Guests are treated like kings

• Tea (chai) is always offered first

• Never refuse the first offer of tea (rude)

• Food will be offered repeatedly (say "bas" means enough)

• Leaving food on plate means you are full

5. Dress Code

• Women: cover shoulders and knees

• Mosques require headscarf for women

• Men: wear trousers (shorts are rare outside beaches)

• Shalwar kameez is traditional (fine for tourists to wear)

• Swimwear only at pools (never on streets)

6. Eating Etiquette

• Eat with right hand only

• Use bread (naan/roti) to scoop food (no spoons often)

• Say "Bismillah" (in God's name) before eating

• Say "Alhamdulillah" (thank God) after eating

• Never waste bread (bread is sacred)

8. Gender Interaction

• Opposite genders do not hug in public

• Handshake only if woman extends hand first

• Married couples do not show affection publicly

• Separate seating at conservative gatherings

• Foreign couples should still follow these rules