Non-verbal Communication or body language is an important part of how people
communicate and there are differences from culture to culture. Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact (or its lack) are a few of the aspects of non-verbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural background.(Vermont Department of Health, N.A)
Communication is a basic medium of exchange ideas and thoughts with each other. Pakistani culture is very welcoming and warm and hospitable and it is very much evident from their communication with one another and with guests and visitors. Pakistani's maintain close body contact when meeting each other such as warm handshake, hugging, patting the back and wrap in arms around each other to welcome. However the gestures are not the same when opposite sex meet each other except from the blood relations or the relation of husband and wife. Pakistan strictly follows the guidelines set by Islam, which underlines some rules for males and females. A female can only hug, shake hand, or touch a male, if she is closely blood-related to her for instance : Father, Brother, Nephew, Grandfather, Son, Husband , paternal and maternal uncles. However when females meet each other they welcome each other and show their love, respect, good attitude and happiness through hugging each other warmly, shaking hands . (Cultural information - Pakistan, 2014)
Rafique (2016) describes, Pakistani culture has not set any restrictions on the friendship of male and females, however the religion part condemns it. Regardless of that Pakistani society is moving towards liberalism and things are changing rapidly. However religious extremist groups are always exerting pressure on the government and influential groups to set the laws defined by “Shariat”…Shariat is a complete guideline of lifestyle and ways of living set by the Islamic religion for it’s followers”.
Pakistani people don’t make use of gesturing in their lives, however since the society is changing and becoming more liberal, things are changing from last couple of years. It was not considered decent or appropriate to maintain eye contact with a female. It was considered flirty, or portrayed bad intentions of any individual who makes eye contact with a female. Now due to growing professionalism larger groups have absorbed the fact that eye contact does not portray your bad intentions but it portrays respect, understanding and professionalism. According to Moazzam (2010),In Asian cultures such as India or Pakistan, eye contact with a senior or an elderly person is not supposed to be a respectful gesture.Holding hands together on the back, is considered to be most gentle body position while dealing with authorities and elders.Smiling is also an important gesture if Pakistani culture.
On the other hand , in North American culture, eye contact is a necessity to gain other person’s trust and respect. Pakistani people usually like to touch each other while talking. Giving a high five between a group of friends is very common, touching the shoulder, holding hands and holding face are considered the signs of love and care.