Pakistani

American  

[pak-uh-stan-ee, pah-kuh-stah-nee] / ˌpæk əˈstæn i, ˌpɑ kəˈstɑ ni /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Pakistan or its inhabitants.

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noun

plural

Pakistanis, Pakistani

1. a native or inhabitant of Pakistan.

pakistani British  

/ ˌpɑːkɪˈstɑːnɪ /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Pakistan

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adjective

1. of or relating to Pakistan or its inhabitants

Etymology

Origin of Pakistani

First recorded in 1935–40; Pakistan ( def. ) + -ī a suffix indicating relationship or origin

Example Sentences

Asif Durrani, a former Pakistani ambassador to Tehran, said Pakistan had proven its importance with the talks, even if the first round did not lead to a deal.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Pakistani journalist Kamran Yousef - in a legion of journalists who pulled all-nighters to provide non-stop coverage with very few details - declared that this round was one of "no breakthrough but no breakdown either".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

During the historic face-to-face trilateral talks, Munir and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar helped "mediate" the talks, as per the civilian official.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Pakistani authorities implemented a citywide lockdown in Islamabad, deploying thousands of security personnel and closing streets due to security concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

As Mama drops our samosas into the spattering oil, Elizabeth proclaims, “Hey! It’s a Pakistani knish!”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan