Pakistan is a great country, steeped with tradition and culture. There are many beautiful places to see and spectacular historical sites to enjoy. However, the recent pandemic has forced many Pakistanis into their homes, barring them from being able to go to work.
As a result, more are finding ways to occupy their time online. Even those who are working are enjoying the benefits that the Internet has to offer to them. For those interested to know what are some common ways that Pakistanis are spending their free time online, here are some of those examples.
Online Slot Games
One common way that many in Pakistan are spending their time is in using online casinos. This may be surprising, considering the fact that gambling is in a gray area in the country, but it is still becoming a very popular pastime. There are sites in neighboring countries that are available to Pakistanis and they are taking full advantage.
Online slots are becoming particularly popular in Pakistan as described on this page. Pakistanis are finding these games of chance to be particularly enticing, which is becoming a rising trend, becoming far more popular than traditional casino games, such as poker or blackjack.
This trend is fairly surprising considering the fact that gambling is banned under Islamic law. Pakistan made it legal to gamble under the Prevention of Gambling Act 1977.
Movies
During the pandemic, video streaming sites like Netflix have been reaping the benefits. With people securely locked inside their homes, restricted from coming out to work or socialize, millions have been trying to find new ways to pass the time. Sites like Netflix have been the way to do that.
Despite the fact that growth in the online streaming service is declining in India, Netflix is doing quite well in Pakistan. This site gives Pakistanis the opportunity to watch television shows, movies, even kids’ educational shows. Many Pakistanis are even following the pathway of their Western counterparts, binge-watching shows for hours on end as they have the time to enjoy these programs.
YouTube
Streaming videos are not restricted to Netflix or other similar streaming services, however. Many Pakistanis are turning to YouTube as a way to not only be entertained but to be educated as well. There are countless numbers of videos that can help people to learn a new hobby or skill, and YouTube gives people the opportunity to learn, such as teaching about a new language, furthering their understanding of Islam, or learn what is going on in other parts of the world.
Social Media
Many Pakistanis are embracing social media. This has some in the medical field concerned about the impact it will have on family relations, but the youth in Pakistan are embracing social media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook.
These outlets are allowing the youth to connect with friends and meet new people from across the globe. According to a recent report, the social media outlets “have created transnational, international and national spaces where strangers meet and tie in social relations” and younger people are taking full advantage of that.
It is reported that 30 million people are spending time on social media outlets each day, and this number is on the rise. In fact, Facebook reports adding 1 million new supporters each month.
Hobbies
While many are turning to forms of entertainment to pass the time, there is an ever-growing number of people in Pakistan that are interested in taking up new hobbies. These hobbies range from auto mechanics, crafts, cooking, playing an instrument, and learning a new skill.
With all of this downtime, Pakistanis are looking for something to do. This is true for both men and women. While some hobbies are restricted or are limited to women, they are still taking advantage of this opportunity to improve themselves or to learn new things. Men are taking up hobbies that allow them to connect with others or to improve their lives.
Learning and Education
While this could also be grouped under hobbies, it is important to recognize that there has been a greater push to educate and be educated during this time. Parents are spending more time talking with their children about things they have learned on the Internet, and both kids and adults are accessing sites that enable them to learn more about history, culture, math, science, and much more.
For followers of Islam, there are numerous opportunities to improve one’s knowledge about Mohammed and the Koran. People are improving their understanding of the Islamic holy book and are also improving their reading and speaking Arabic.
Several are spending time on the Internet learning about new job skills or are learning about places they would like to visit. The Internet contains a limitless amount of information that is accessible through a few clicks of the mouse. This is presenting a golden opportunity for people to learn about anything they want.
Conclusion
Even before the pandemic hit, more Pakistanis were spending time on the Internet. In fact, there are several studies that have found that social media usage has been rapidly increasing since 2013. The recent events of this year have only helped hasten that pace, and it is likely that Covid-19 has had a greater impact on the citizens of Pakistan than anyone has realized.