Being Pakistani: Society, Culture and the Arts

• The book addresses the central question: How different is Pakistan’s culture from India’s? From ancient Sufi poetry and local ballads to modern creative expressions, it illustrates the deep bonds connecting the sub-continental neighbors, while shedding light on the environment where contemporary Pakistani artists thrive.

Raza Ahmad Rumi is an author and the editor of Daily Times (Pakistan). He has served as a visiting faculty member at Cornell University, Ithaca College, and NYU, and previously worked as a Governance Specialist for the Asian Development Bank. His other notable books include Delhi by Heart.

• • The text explores how deeply rooted traditions—such as the songs of Kabir, the timeless ballads of Bulleh Shah, and the regional folk cults of Sindh—bind the people of India and Pakistan together. By mapping out the evolution of visual arts and literature, Rumi introduces readers to modern-day Pakistani creators working amidst political complexities. Ultimately, the book delivers a powerful alternative narrative of Pakistan, showcasing its vibrant society through the unifying lens of art and shared heritage rather than terrorism and political instability.