General Etiquette & Protocol Guidelines

• Greetings are therefore often between members of the same sex; however, when dealing with people in the middle class, greetings may be across sex lines.
• Men shake hands with each other. Once a relationship is developed, they may hug as well as shake hands.
• Women generally hug and kiss. Pakistanis take their time during greetings and ask about the person’s health, family, and business success.
• Pakistani names often include a name that denotes a person’s class, tribe, occupation, or other status indicator.
• They may also include two names that have a specific meaning when used together, and the meaning is lost if the names are separated.
• It is best to ask a person how they wish to be addressed.
• In general, this is not a culture where first names are commonly used, except among close friends.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• If invited to a Pakistani’s home, bring the hostess a small gift such as flowers or good quality chocolates.
• Men should avoid giving flowers to women.
• Do not give white flowers as they are used at weddings.
• If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relative.
• Do not give alcohol.
• Gifts are not opened when received.
• Gifts are given with two hands.

Dining Etiquette

• If invited to a home you will most likely have to remove your shoes. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
• Dress conservatively.
• Arrive approximately 15 minutes later than the stipulated time when invited to dinner or a small gathering.
• You may arrive up to one hour later than the stipulated time when invited to a party.
• Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
• In more rural areas, it is still common to eat meals from a knee-high round table while sitting on the floor.
• Many people in urban areas do not use eating utensils, although more westernized families do.
• When in doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behaviour.
• Guests are served first. Then the oldest, continuing in some rough approximation of age order until the youngest is served.
• Do not start eating until the oldest person at the table begins.
• You will be urged to take second and even third helpings. Saying “I’m full” will be taken as a polite gesture and not accepted at face value.
• Eat only with the right hand.

Relationships & Communication

• Third-party introductions are a necessity in this relationship-driven culture.
• Pakistanis prefer to work with people they know and trust and will spend a great deal of time on the getting-to-know-you part of relationship building.
• You must not appear frustrated by what may appear to be purely social conversation. Pakistanis are hospitable and enjoy hosting foreign guests.
• Relationships take time to grow and must be nurtured. This may require several visits.
• Pakistanis often ask personal questions as a way to get to know you as a person.
• If possible, it is best to answer these questions.
• Pakistanis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures. As such, they will stand close to you while conversing and you may feel as if your personal space has been violated. Do not back away.
• Pakistanis are generally indirect communicators.
• Always demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the group.
• In general, Pakistanis speak in a roundabout or circuitous fashion. Direct statements are made only to those with whom they have a long-standing personal relationship.
• They also use a great deal of hyperbole and similes, and go out of their way to find something to praise.
• Be prepared to flatter and be flattered.
• Pakistanis prefer to converse in a non-controversial manner, so they will say they “will try” rather than admit that they cannot or will not be able to do something.
• Therefore, it is important to ask questions in several ways so you can be certain what was meant by a vague response. Silence is often used as a communication tool.
• Pakistanis prefer to do business in person. They see the telephone as too impersonal a medium for business communication.