Arabs vs. Pakistanis — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 24, 2023
Arabs are ethnic groups native to the Arab world, largely in the Middle East and North Africa, while Pakistanis are from Pakistan, a South Asian country. Both have distinct cultures, languages, and histories.
Difference Between Arabs and Pakistanis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Arabs originate from the Arabian Peninsula, encompassing countries of the Middle East and parts of North Africa. Pakistanis, on the other hand, hail from Pakistan, a nation located in South Asia, sharing borders with India, Afghanistan, China, and Iran.
Arabs predominantly speak Arabic, written in the Arabic script. Pakistanis primarily converse in Urdu and a plethora of regional languages, with Urdu written in a modified form of the Perso-Arabic script.
While both Arabs and Pakistanis are dominantly Muslim, Arabs played a foundational role in Islam's inception. Pakistanis, in contrast, embraced Islam through historical interactions, mainly during the Islamic conquests in the Indian subcontinent.
Arabs have ancient civilizations dating back thousands of years, with vast empires such as the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. Pakistanis, though possessing a rich Indus Valley history, have a modern nationhood established in 1947 following the partition of British India.
Arabs are renowned for their contributions to science, art, architecture, and literature during the Islamic Golden Age. Pakistanis offer a diverse cultural tapestry, influenced by Persian, Central Asian, and indigenous Indian elements, showcased in their music, crafts, and cuisine.
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Comparison Chart
Geographical Origin
Arabian Peninsula; Middle East, N. Africa
South Asia; specifically Pakistan.
Primary Language
Arabic
Urdu (among other regional languages).
Script
Arabic script
Modified Perso-Arabic script.
Religion
Predominantly Islam
Predominantly Islam
Historical Context
Ancient civilizations; Islamic empires.
Indus Valley civilization; 1947 nationhood
Compare with Definitions
Arabs
Primarily speakers of the Arabic language.
Arabs have contributed significantly to global literature.
Pakistanis
Inhabitants of a nation established in 1947.
Pakistanis have seen their country evolve rapidly since its inception.
Arabs
Major contributors to arts, sciences, and philosophy during the Islamic Golden Age.
Arabs played pivotal roles in preserving ancient knowledge.
Pakistanis
A diverse group with multiple ethnicities and cultures.
Pakistanis, whether Punjabi or Sindhi, take pride in their heritage.
Arabs
Inhabitants of nations from the Arabian Peninsula to parts of North Africa.
Arabs have established various empires over centuries.
Pakistanis
Citizens of the South Asian country, Pakistan.
Pakistanis celebrate their Independence Day on August 14.
Arabs
Ethnic groups indigenous to the Arab world.
The Arabs have a rich history stretching back millennia.
Pakistanis
A people with a blend of Central Asian, Persian, and indigenous Indian influences.
Pakistanis have a unique and vibrant tapestry of traditions.
Arabs
People who share cultural commonalities spanning multiple nations.
Arabs, across different countries, celebrate similar traditions.
Pakistanis
Primarily speakers of the Urdu language.
Pakistanis cherish their poets like Allama Iqbal.
Arabs
A member of a Semitic people inhabiting Arabia, whose language and Islamic religion spread widely throughout the Middle East and northern Africa from the seventh century.
Arabs
A member of an Arabic-speaking people.
Arabs
An Arabian horse.
Common Curiosities
What is the main language in Pakistan?
Pakistanis primarily speak Urdu, though many regional languages exist.
Is Islam the predominant religion for both groups?
Yes, both Arabs and Pakistanis predominantly follow Islam.
Where did the Arabic language originate?
Arabic originated in the Arabian Peninsula.
Which language do Arabs primarily speak?
Arabs predominantly speak Arabic.
Was Pakistan always a separate country?
No, Pakistan was established in 1947 after the partition of British India.
Do Arabs have a unified culture?
While Arabs share many cultural elements, regional variations exist.
Where is the Arab world located?
The Arab world spans the Middle East and parts of North Africa.
Who are Arabs?
Arabs are ethnic groups native to the Middle East and parts of North Africa.
How diverse is the Pakistani culture?
Pakistan is home to multiple ethnicities, languages, and traditions, making its culture very diverse.
Which script do Pakistanis use for Urdu?
Urdu is written in a modified form of the Perso-Arabic script.
How has Arab history influenced global civilization?
Arabs have made pivotal contributions in arts, science, philosophy, and more, especially during the Islamic Golden Age.
What distinguishes Pakistanis from Arabs?
Pakistanis hail from Pakistan in South Asia, whereas Arabs are from the Arab world.
Are Pakistanis and Arabs racially the same?
No, while there are some overlaps due to historical interactions, they are distinct ethnic groups.
What cuisines are popular among Arabs and Pakistanis?
Arabs are known for dishes like hummus and falafel, while Pakistanis relish biryani and chapli kebab.
Do Pakistanis and Arabs share any common cultural festivals?
Both celebrate Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
