Based on the available information, the largest ethnic group in Pakistan is the Punjabis.
Understanding the Largest Group
While the concept of "caste" can be complex and varies across different communities and regions within Pakistan, often large population groups are identified by their ethnicity. According to the provided reference:
- Punjabis are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group.
- They are native to the Punjab region, which spans parts of both India and Pakistan.
- Crucially, they are the largest ethnic group of Pakistan.
This makes Punjabis the most populous single ethnic group in the country.
Who Are the Punjabis?
The Punjabis are a vibrant and diverse group primarily residing in the province of Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. They share a common cultural heritage, speak the Punjabi language (in various dialects), and have a rich history deeply tied to the fertile lands of the Indus River basin.
Key characteristics include:
- Geographic Hub: The heartland is the Punjab province.
- Language: Punjabi is the primary language.
- Cultural Influence: Punjabi culture has a significant impact on Pakistan's national identity, music, food, and literature.
While different gots (clans or lineages) and social stratifications exist within the Punjabi community, the overarching identity as Punjabis constitutes the largest ethnic demographic in the nation.
