Etiquette in Pakistan

Home > International Etiquette Tips  > Etiquette in Asia > Etiquette in Pakistan

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign country in South Asia. With a population exceeding 180 million people, it is the 6th most populated county in the world.

The official languages are English and Urdu.

Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic with a president and prime minister.

Pakistan is the second most populous Muslim-majority country and has the second largest Shi’a population in the world.  About 97% of Pakistanis are Muslim. The next largest religions are Hinduism and Christianity.

The currency is the Pakistani rupee.

Business Negotiation Etiquette

Business in Pakistan is very formal, reserved, and deliberate. Jokes and levity have no place in business affairs.

Avoid discussing local politics, religion, Israel, Pakistan’s relationship with its neighbors, or sex.

Foreign businesswomen should be aware of a few cultural difficulties. When waiting in line for service, be aggressive or men will be served before you. When entertaining, make prior arrangements to have the check billed to your room. Also, if inviting the wife of a counterpart, discreetly ask if she is purdah (a religious observance of seclusion) prior to making the invitation.

Meals are typically eaten with your hands, although Pakistanis will usually provide a knife and fork when entertaining. If you do eat with your hands, use only your right hand, as the left is considered unclean. When hosting a meal, keep in mind that Muslims do not eat pork.

Our large, non-profit educational group for marketing executives looked for someone knowledgeable on the topic of business etiquette and one name kept rising to the top, Cynthia Lett. Her talk was amazing. Since we were limited by time, she focused on the critical aspects of business interactions. Cynthia is a tremendous resource for any company or organization looking for a protocol course.

Andrew Rose

Director of Marketing and Business Development Naden/Lean, LLC

I hired Cynthia to become an etiquette consultant. She was knowledgeable on every subject and I learned quite a but about the business from her. Many years later she continues to be a resource to me.

Lisa M. Grotts

The AML Group, San Francisco, CA

I can truly say without a doubt, Cynthia Lett consistently delivers quality and professionalism as an international expert in etiquette and protocol. I highly recommend The Lett Group to anyone wanting to get the right information from the very best!

Irene Zucker

President VerbaCom® Executive Development

Cynthia Lett was the top-rated speaker at several international Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) events. She possesses vast knowledge and practical experience in international protocol and etiquette. As a speaker, Cynthia is wonderful at engaging an audience with real examples and practical tools for helping them deal with intercultural protocol and etiquette situations. I would highly recommend her for educational events for any group.

Edward Potter

Association Director Association Management Group, McLean, VA

Cynthia is one of the top business etiquette professionals in the DC area. I recommend Cynthia Lett for your business etiquette needs.

Marva Goldsmith

President & Chief Image Officer

Cynthia is the consummate etiquette and protocol professional. She founded ISPEP to develop and enhance the standards of our profession because she cares so deeply about what we do and the quality of service clients receive.

Hilka Klinkenberg

 Founder/President