Some non-Pakistanis, particularly Indian Hindus make a big fuss
about why Pakistani Muslims have adopted Arabic names instead of
their own native ones. This is because of their lack of knowledge
and understanding in history and language.
The fact is most Pakistanis do have names that are native. This is
specially true among Sindhis, Baluchs, Pakhtuns, Panjabis, etc.
Family and tribal names are also proof that most Pakistanis do have
native names.
But the question arises, what or who is a native? In Pakistan’s
case, it is the diverse heritage of various peoples that migrated
into the region through out the centuries and got mixed with the
locals. This means, a native Pakistani is a blend of Harappan,
RigVedic Aryan, Persian, Greek, Bactrian, Scythian, Parthian,
Kushan, Hephthalite, Arab, Turkic, and Mughal heritage.
An example, “Khan” is a Turkic word/name which means ‘strong leader’
(Genghiz Khan is perhaps the first name that comes to mind, but
thats because Mongols adopted many aspects of culture from the
Turks, including words/names). Under the Hunnic, Turkic and later
Mughal rule and migrations, “Khan” became popular as a name in the
region, particularly among Pathans as it represented power and
respect (not to be confused with the much later British title
of “Khan” given to some north Indian Muslims for their services).
Many other Pakistanis have Aryan, Persian, Scythic, and other names.
Yes Arabic names are quite popular among Pakistanis. But why should
they not be? Pakistan was under Arab rule for quite some time, some
Pakistanis are descendents of Arab migrants (most are not as falsely
claimed – or perhaps the Arab lineage is too much diluted, almost
negligable), Arabic language greatly influenced the local languages,
and what is most important is that Arabic is the language of Quran.
In many cases, when an ancestor of Pakistani converted to Islam, he
would adopt an Arabic name from the Quran just representing the
change of faith. In other cases, the adoption of Arabic names from
the Quran was an effort to disown any casteist belonging from the
former name. Sufis preaching Islam would also give prestigious title
names such as Sheikh, Momin, etc. to the new converts particularly
those who were formerly oppressed.
Similar name adoption has occured all over the world. How about the
many Hindus who carry Aryan (from Central Asia/Iran) names but are
actually descendents of Dravidian-Mundic natives? How about
Europeans who have adopted Middle Eastern names because of
conversion to Christianity (e.g. Moses/Musa, Michael/Mikael,
Joseph/Yusuf, Mary/Mariam, Jacob/Yaqub, etc). I say those who
criticize Pakistanis should be more open minded and educate
themselves.