Pakistani society is divided into different groups based on caste, class, and ethnicity. This is called social stratification. It means people are not all equal in terms of money, job, education, or status.
Caste System
Though Islam teaches equality, some parts of Pakistan still follow a caste-like system, especially in rural Punjab. For example, castes like Rajputs, Jats, Arains, and Gujjars are still important when deciding marriages or land disputes.
Class System
People are also divided based on their wealth and job. There are three main classes:
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Upper class – very rich, living in areas like DHA or Bahria Town in major cities.
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Middle class – teachers, shopkeepers, office workers.
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Lower class – laborers, maids, or daily wage earners in villages or city slums.
For example, a businessman from Karachi with a big house and car belongs to the upper class, while a rickshaw driver from a small town might belong to the lower class.
Ethnicity
Ethnicity refers to a social group that shares a common and distinctive culture, language, religion, or ancestral heritage. It is often linked to shared traditions, values, and a sense of identity based on historical and cultural commonalities.
Ethnic Groups
Pakistan is home to many ethnic groups. Sometimes, these groups have tension, especially in politics. For example, Sindhi and Mohajir communities in Karachi have had political disagreements in the past. But most of the time, people live peacefully and celebrate each other’s cultures, like during Basant or cultural festivals.
Examples of ethnic groups:
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Punjabis – Speak Punjabi and mostly live in Lahore and Faisalabad.
Example: Celebrate Basant by flying kites. -
Sindhis – Speak Sindhi and live in Hyderabad and Sukkur.
Example: Wear Ajrak and Sindhi topi. -
Pashtuns – Speak Pashto and live in Peshawar and Swat.
Example: Offer green tea to guests. -
Baloch – Speak Balochi and live in Quetta and Gwadar.
Example: Travel in camel caravans in deserts. -
Muhajirs – Speak Urdu and live in Karachi.
Example: Famous for delicious biryani. -
Saraikis – Speak Saraiki and live in Multan.
Example: Known for folk music and poetry. -
Kashmiris – Speak Kashmiri and live in Muzaffarabad.
Example: Drink pink Kashmiri tea (noon chai).
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