Current Issue: Pakistan Ban Condom Commercial

The news article shows that DKT International's poor understanding of Pakistan's socio-cultural and religious values which resulted in a ban for their condom commercial.

First and foremost, it clearly shows that DKT International has no understanding of Pakistan's Muslim cultures as 96% of the population is Muslims (Muslim Population around the World 2007). DKT International fails to appreciate the significance of the central element of culture in Pakistan which is the religion which basically influence people's perception in life.

In addition to that, DKT International showed no cultural sensitivity towards Pakistani's Muslims. The advertisement showed sheer disregard to the Pakistani citizens both social and cultural wise. But as for the Westerners, they do not understand it is totally different from the Muslim culture as the advertisement missed the mark in its portrayal of Pakistani women yet uttering women as objects. In Muslim culture, women may not have equal rights as men rather they are equally balanced (Zawadi 2013). That being said, in Pakistan conversations about family planning are often too taboo yet religiously under tone which made it an uphill battle until now. With that, DKT International's reputation in Pakistan and in other Muslim countries will be negative due to its advertisement blunder.

Therefore, knowing the society's culture is a must because you might just offended the people.

References:

Muslim Population around the World. 2007. Islam In Pakistan. http://www.muslimpopulation.com/asia/Pakistan/Islam%20in%20Pakistan.php

Zawadi, Bassam. 2013. Men and Women's Rights in Islam: Equal or Equally Balanced?. http://www.call-to-monotheism.com/men_and_women_s_rights_in_islam__equal_or_equally_balanced_

orld 2007).