The host interacts with the guest, while the rest of the family only greets them formally.
It is very interesting, I suppose that for the host it must mean a lot of stress and a great workload to have to take care of the visitor while having other members of his loved ones with whom he wants to share nearby. Hasn't it been difficult for you?
Guests aren’t just looking for food, which they can get at restaurants; they come for the sincerity and love. If we ignore them or show disinterest, they feel insulted.
Even special guests who may be "strangers" (I suppose it can be the case of being a stranger and a special guest at the same time) can feel slighted? (taking into account that they are Muslims, of course I am not including people of other nationalities in this spectrum I am talking about)
Your culture is really interesting, I wonder if one day I will have the opportunity to share it with you in your home, or with any other Pakistani I meet.
I should be clearer with my wording. Let me help you picture it: Imagine you visit my home, and I am the breadwinner of the family. As the host, it’s my responsibility to ensure you are not disturbed by other family members.
Consider a scenario where a child at home is talking nonsense while you are discussing a serious matter. Or imagine you came to meet my son, but I, the father, notice that the mother is taking up too much of your time with unnecessary questions, some of which might make you uncomfortable. It is the host’s duty to manage these situations.
Whether you need water, a cold drink, or coffee, it is the host’s responsibility to take care of the guest as much as possible. Sometimes this involves guessing what the guest wants.
It is harder for anyone who isn't street smart. Imagine if a guest arrived and the host accidentally said, 'How come you remembered us today?' While it might be funny to a friendly guest, it could also be taken the wrong way. I once made this mistake, and the guest had come with his whole family. My dad scolded me for it later.
Most of my guests are Muslims, but I do meet some non-Muslims as well. However, this might not be the same for all Pakistanis.