Saying Hello in Pakistan: A Multilingual Guide

Pakistan has 70+ languages. Greetings vary by language, region, and religious/cultural context. Here are the major ones:

Urdu (National Language)

• Assalamu Alaikum (السّلام علیکم) — "Peace be upon you." Universal Muslim greeting. Response: *Wa Alaikum Assalam*.
• Adaab (آداب) — Secular/respectful, hand raised to forehead. Common among Urdu speakers of all faiths.
• Kya Haal Hai? — "How are you?" (Informal).
• Salaam — Shortened, casual.

Punjabi (Most Spoken Native Language)

• Sat Sri Akal (ਸਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ) — Sikh greeting ("True is the Timeless One").
• Assalamu Alaikum — Muslim Punjabis.
• Kiddan? — "How's it going?" (Very casual).

Sindhi

• Assalamu Alaikum / Adaab — Formal.
• Khos Ahyo? — "How are you?"
• Salaam — Casual.

Pashto (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan)

• Assalamu Alaikum — Standard.
• Pakh'wah De Khodai Pa Aman — Traditional: "May you arrive in God's peace."
• Da Khoda Pa Aman — Shortened.
• Staṇa yee? — "Are you well?"

Balochi

• Assalamu Alaikum — Formal.
• Rogh — "Hello/Good" (informal).
• Khodakhu-Khuwar — Traditional blessing.

Practical Tip

Assalamu Alaikum works everywhere with Muslims (97% of population). Add a slight nod/hand-on-heart. For non-Muslims, *Adaab* or English "Hello" is safe. Smile—universal.