Pakistani men often hold hands as a sign of platonic affection and friendship, a culturally accepted practice that shouldn't be interpreted as romantic.
This behavior, common in various South Asian cultures, stems from several factors:
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Cultural Norms: In Pakistani society, displays of physical affection between friends of the same gender are more common and less stigmatized than in many Western cultures. Holding hands, draping arms around each other, or even walking closely together are considered normal expressions of camaraderie and support.
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Emphasis on Male Bonding: Strong bonds between men are valued. Physical touch, like holding hands, can be a way to reinforce these bonds and demonstrate loyalty and trust. It's a non-sexual way to express closeness.
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Less Public Display of Heterosexual Affection: Conversely, public displays of affection between men and women, particularly outside of marriage, are often frowned upon. This makes platonic physical affection between men even more visible and normalized.
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Social Context: This practice is most common amongst close friends, cousins, or relatives and is often seen in public spaces like markets, religious gatherings, or while traveling.
It's crucial to remember that cultural norms regarding physical touch vary greatly. What might be considered intimate in one culture could be perfectly normal and platonic in another. In the Pakistani context, male hand-holding is generally a sign of close friendship and should be understood within its specific cultural framework.
