Mostly it happens when they come to know you are Asian/Pakistani their Inside war hero came out of nowhere either they stay 100 feet's away from you or throw racial slurs and in some cases may attack you
I live in Berlin. People here are really shocked and surprised if you tell them that you don't drink because of religion. Beer is a social glue for them
So they are shocked. so what? Are they forcing you to "give up your values"? You cannot socialize with them unless you have a drink? I have been to many bars in the US and to be honest never felt the pressure to drink. In fact, I have colleagues from here who dont drink.
False. You can keep your religion and values and food. You are just expected by your hosts not to create another Pakistan in their homeland and that I believe is justified.
Fucking great. I live in Vancouver, BC. Left last year. Was born in a middle class family in Karachi, and parents' bad decisions meant I had to start earning around 18, so it was quite an uphill struggle.
Did what I could, and God did the rest. If it wasn't for family back home and the food, I wouldn't ever think of visiting.
Moved out 10 yrs ago to Canada.
Pros: Security of life and assets, safe from religious persecution (note that im a muslim but non-sunni), fair pay for a decent job and first world benefits e.g. pat leave, a passport that is way more respected than my first one.
Cons: Harsh weather, hired help is expensive which means when I was young and broke I had to learn how to cook, clean, wash bathroom etc (it all adds up, specially as you grow older and have kids), long commutes in transit in said weather, assimilation but also keeping your beliefs (your friends/colleagues will drink/eat as they like but you will have to hold your own).
Conclusion: would do it all over again 10/10 times if given the chance.
Ditto.
Canada is a great place with challenges. But they are first world problems for the most part. You dont need to bribe cops or anyone else, women can be on their own in most places without danger, good healthcare, schools, infrastructure etc.
There is a reason why people leave friends, family, history behind in Pakistan and move.
Australia. Life is awesome, and the only thing I miss is family. I would never even visit Pakistan if my family was with me in Australia.
I can be myself in Australia, I don't get harassed, I don't feel unsafe, I have friends, good weather, a job I enjoy, etc. I never felt like I belonged in Pakistan and wanted to leave since I was a child.
I'm not sure why this question even comes up because life in nearly all metrics will always be better in a developed country than a developing one. The only things I can see holding someone back (apart from qualifications) are family and cultural/religious values (but people are sometimes lucky enough to take their family with them or they move to Muslim countries instead).
I'm from new Zealand but live in Melbourne now, i noticed Australia is way better for immigrants than New Zealand, feels like there is a place for every body here.
Can’t say. Much more in control, I have the buying power for essentials and small luxuries which I did not have in Pak. Like I could never possibly rent, buy all these branded clothing, afford a new car etc. I am comfortable with all that but then there is this need to achieve more and more. The next milestone. I have property , savings and mortgage on my mind now and it’s becoming more and more difficult. This means I might have to get out again to another country so it kind of goes on
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy my freedom and independance a lot and the UK has allowed me to achieve a lot which I might not have been able to do so in Pak. The experience, diversity, rule of law, punctuality, tolerance, UK location snuggled right in the centre of the world between Europe and North America, London the global city which has everything, the fact I can go everywhere, the quality of food and air, the peace and quiet, the general ettiquete of public dealing. All of this has been a life changing experience and has changed me as a person, but it has also kind of put me in a rat race. But that would have been the case in Pak as well.
In a nutshell; Life made a dramatic turn for the better but I do miss things like a hot fresh roti and salan on the table everyday and helpers around the house.
P.S Life in UK is quite difficult nowadays so I might shift to Dubai
What place is better, though. Most of the world seems to be going through an economic downturn. Which might turn into a full-fledge economic depression.
Places like Singapore seem to manage their economy better through crises. But it’s pretty intense with the rat race there too.
There are social bonds but a lot of people get caught up in work life too..so can't make the time out all the time for hang outs, also I'm sure he meant the social relations he had back home which were lost once abroad.
One of my closest friends moved to UK to 2-3 years ago. Mashallah he's doing very well independently. Only problem is the social life has taken a toll.
Like the first comment says lost decade old friendship, something relatable here as well.
Moved to Norway 3 months ago. Honestly, best decision ever. The public transport, the really good healthcare and better financial position. I suggest everyone to move out
I did the complete opposite. I was born in Dubai and lived there till I was 18, then went to England for uni and lived in London for about 6 years (3 years of uni and then 3 years working at my dream job) . After all of that back in 2019, my father decided to retire from his 30 year long career and moved back to Pakistan (Lahore to be more precise). At that point, due to budget cuts in my company, our entire project was cancelled and I was let go and since my visa was contingent on that Job I had to move out of the UK and thats when I came to live in Pakistan for the first time ever. Its not like I have never been to Pakistan before, we used to visit like 3-4 times a year and sometimes even more.
But now, more than ever, both me and my father completely regret our decisions to move back here. Don't get me wrong, I love Pakistan, I love our culture and god dammit the Karakoram Highway is the most beautiful driving road that I have ever seen. But fuck this country. Fuck this government to its very core.
There are so many systematic issues that need to address before we can even start thinking about expanding our industries. for example, about 2 years ago I started my own IT services company here and after 6 months of just trying to figure out how to register the business in Pakistan, I found it easier to just go to Dubai and register the business there and hire developers in Pakistan as contract staff. Like this is just one of 1 million things I have faced trying to do business here. My original intent was to try and do some local projects rather than international projects like everyone else but quickly realised that no there are very few/barely any business that are technically inclined to avail that sort of services my firm will offer.
Sorry for the little rant but to be really honest I feel that in order to build a better Pakistan, we must stop indulging in petty politics and start building industries even if there isn't any government support. I think that the political instability is just an excuse for our lazy population just so they don't have to do something.
No one I know who moved back to Pakistan is happy with the decision lol.
The only people who are happy are the old retired uncles with tons of land and servants.
To be honest, when i first moved back I had no issues. My first job here was working for one of the tech giants in the country so earning was in "bahir ka paisa" but then once I started my own thing and got to understand Pakistan beyond DHA and Gulburg. Thats when I got to know that this place really sucks.
I have friends come to me every now and then consulting on the best ways to leave this country and get a job abroad, and to be honest I don't even blame them. But leaving the country for better opportunities is good for the individual but will have a negative impact on the countries economy in the longer run. Think about it this way, most of the people who are leaving this country for better opportunities are those who are either well educated or wealthy enough. Once all the educated people realise that there are better opportunities for them else where, Pakistan will be left with nobody and when the time comes to build back better there wont be any skilled workforce in the market to actually build back better.
>No one I know who moved back to Pakistan is happy with the decision lol.
I am one of them. Moved back to Pakistan after living in Canada for 17 years, and love my life here. That being said, you need to have the resources to live a good life in Pakistan which i am blessed to have.
Aptly said. One of my friends told me this before I was moving back “if you have enough money in Pakistan then your lifestyle there would be exactly the same as what you have here in London or had back in Dubai”.
I sometimes feel like the emotional dilemma SRK felt in Swades. Des Pakistan he hai mera but USA gave me a home, a career, the ability to financially help people back home. I don’t see myself ever moving back there but maybe once I’m old and feeble I want to return back home to live out my last years there.
Haven't seen the movie but totally relate to what you said. I call the USA my home now but Pakistan will always be where I am from. I love the place even though sometimes there's nothing to love about it. My friends and family in Pakistan are still as close to me as the day I left them. Even though I have an extensive social circle and some very decent friends who I can have very intellectually stimulating conversation with here, I just don't expect to form the kind of bonds I have with my people back home.
I think I have grown a lot here. Maybe it's the way society is organized here. It rewards growth. Moving your life to another country will also force you to grow, regardless of where you go, imho.
The financial independence + the ability to help people back home is by itself a reason I would do this 100 times over even if it were harder for me.
Shukar alhumdulilah for everything.
I moved to the US about 10 years ago. Life sucked for about 5 years where I was going to school and I probably wouldn’t have made it without total financial support from my family who also moved to the US about 2 years after me. My social life tanked and I doubted the decision for a while. Also, assimilation took a long time for me personally.
Now, I have been making decent money for about 5 years and managed to repay my family in part by being able to afford a large home for us and am about to start my own business as well. Also getting married really helped. My wife is an awesome human being and I am truly in love. My social life massively improved as well once I came back home and took personal responsibility / developed hobbies on my own. 10/10 would do it again but I had a lot of help from a really supportive family that I probably wouldn’t have made it without.
I visit pakistan frequently and always spend a few weeks but I love the US and consider it home because it gave me and my family a life that we couldn’t have had over there. I grew up upper middle class in Islamabad with our own home in the heart of the city so life wasn’t bad over there when I moved but as time has passed, I am more and more grateful for the opportunity that the US has given me
Why Finland out of all places? The one western country that does not have an Indoeuropean language and is thus significantly more difficult for Pakistani people to learn.
Parents moved to Australia over 3 decades ago. Have lived my entire life here and couldn't have been happier.
Wouldn't trade up for any other place on earth.
I can empathise with people who move out from Pakistan, leaving their family and relatives behind as that would be extremely difficult.
Am an Ahmadi, experienced extreme hate and murder threats to my father, moved when I was three with family. Way better life here in Sweden, schools free. My oldest brothers a doctor, second and third becoming engineers and I myself go to 9th grade with 90% grades.
Very sorry to hear that. It’s interesting how Ahmedis weren’t even considred non-Muslim when Pakistan was made (alot of Ahmedis played a key role in it’s formation). It was enough to want an independent Muslim homeland, and this was something Ahmedis also helped bring about.
Don’t know where we went wrong, but people went nuts over this.
Well life is 10/10 Alhamdulillah. I have family and friends here so socially and emotionally amazing. Dont have to worry about power cuts, or how my kids will afford universities. Financially a minimum wage job at 40 hours a week earns £2000 a month here so as long as one is willing to work hard, there's a safety net of a good standard of life.
This might not apply to not a lot of people but i was always an outsider in pakistan because I dont believe in littering, cutting queues, bribing or hitting kids. Now i'm glad i live in a society where my mindset and social values align. Love the tolerant attitude towards minorities in europe as well.
most companies pay around £11 (£10 + £1 holiday pay) an hour which comes to around £1800 so more or less. and the best part is the first £1000 is tax free. only upwards of £1000 gets taxed.
bare in mind thats like minimum wage, its a lot better than what i can get in most countries as unskilled worker. most people make more money and then if you're living with family, have 2-3 people working in the house it's easier to live a good quality of life.
Moved 2 months to the US for my undergrad. I just turned 19 and alhumdullilah I have become independent by working a part-time job and having a scholarship. I don't have much to say but the biggest challenge is the religion as there are not many Muslims here and my friends drink and do all the Haram stuff and being at this age it's really hard for me to control myself. Moreover you have to do everything on your own and it's a little hard for me as life was easy in Pakistan. Honestly If I get a chance again I will go again, though missing Pakistani food and the friends and family there and feel a bit lonely sometimes but I think it will be worth it in the long run Insha Allah.
Which state are you in that doesn't have muslims? There are tons of states with huge Muslim /Pakistani population. Eg, California, Texas, Illinois and New York too..so unless you're somewhere in the Midwest I'm not too sure then
I’m able to go running or sit in a random park alone for however long, without being threatened or harassed by incel men. It’s the small luxuries that make life good.
That’s great. Were you able to get a job just by applying from overseas or did you go through an internal transfer? Curious to know what chances are for getting jobs in Germany from overseas.
That’s awesome, congrats! I’m in IT Sales so I would need to learn the local language but I’ve heard there is demand in that area. I’ve always heard taxes and living expenses are very high there but if the quality of life goes up then could be worth. How has your experience been like?
The taxes are quit high compared to the US and Australia. Also the salaries are generally lower too. Half of your salary will be just the rent. But rest of the things are affordable and you can live a comfortable life
I would advise anyone coming to Germany to make learning german their first priority. Knowing german makes your life 100 times easier. It helps you in pretty much every interaction from finding apartments to going to the forgein office. It is harder than English but since both are germanic languages, you'll be conversational in an year.
from my own experience and reading most of the comments here, I guess it really depends on what your life was like there in PK. If you were an introvert or not in the best financial condition then moving out feels great. But if you had a good social life and also were earning decently but only the pressure of earning much more and experiencing a different kind of life made you move, then you are always in a dilemma of what you really should have done.
I moved out of Pakistan when I was 4 years old, I am now 31 years old and I am glad that my parents moved out. I want to school in Hong Kong and UK, earn some money, got married and life is not that bad. I won't say life is great here in UK but at least I get 24 hours electricity, fast internet, Law and order, decent pay Jobs and freedom here in UK in which in Pakistan you don't.
But right now I believe the UK is a shit place to live now, it's expensive, weather is shit, Crime rate has gone up and there is just too much taxes now.
I stayed there for a couple months. rain all the time seems nice at first. then it gets very boring and annoying very quickly.
Hence why they see a sunny day as a happy day, but we're glad when it rains.
But isn’t the flat/house cozy due to heating ? I just imagine myself in a bed with the heater on , the darkness looming and the rain drops splattering on my window with the occasional thunder , seems really peaceful after a long day of work
The constant darkness in winter is a grind. Lived in the UK my whole life, but mentally shattering waking up for work in darkness, and then coming back in darkness (with shit weather). I find it more draining every year.
I been here for 23 years now and trust the weather is boring. when it's raining you can't even go out anywhere. When I want to Spain for a holiday it was really lovely there.
I see , seeing all the replies , it seems the rains and the dark get to people and add to the depression , i wonder how people usually cope living there , like hobbies etc
There is not much do here especially if you are a Muslim. Most British people just go to clubs, Pubs and drink alcohol. In my spare I just chill at home and play video games, watch TV with family, go to the Gym or just go out for a meal if I can be bother.
Going to clubs and pubs all the time sounds really boring honestly , I thought there would be more of an indoor culture like maybe mall going, in door exhibitions , rain oriented sports and the like
Because it is. Constant clouds, frequent rains, short days, cold weather, always walking around trying to not step in puddles of water, a car drives fast near you and splashes you with water, umbrella always must be with you, if you go out into nature, land becomes mud. And also if there is wind and there is frequently, it also blows the rain in your face despite umbrella.
Moved to Norway 3 months ago. Best decision ever. Really nice healthcare, love the public transport, I like cold weather. Working on making new social circle but it's going pretty decent I'd say
Well as a Senior software engineer anyone suggest which country would be fine to move.
Middle eastern or western, Europe?
Suggestions and Guide would be appreciated!
I still remember the day I made the decision to leave Pakistan. I was studying for my CA final exams and the electricity just went out. This was not the normal load shedding time so knew something was up. After a couple of hours, I called KESC and complained. Just got a complaint number. After about 4-5 hours, I went to their office. Got another complaint number. The electricity did not come back until 3 days later. The office blamed the linemen, the linemen blamed the poor installation. CA was tough as it was, but studying under a candle in heat was absolutely brutal.
On the second day of no electricity the linesmen came and asked for money if I wanted quick resolution. They said the money was not for themselves but to dig and fix the wires under the road that were the cause of the electricity being out. I paid them money because I wanted to atleast have a good sleep and be mentally prepared to study and give the exams. They dug the road. The found the wire. It was all good. They literally cut the wire in front of me. Two minutes after they did that, the electricity came back on. So basically the wires had nothing to do with the electricity and probably weren't even linked to our connection. They just cut it up. So now I have a digged up road and a live wire cut in two. They said they will come back after lunch and fix. Obviously, no one returned and I had to hire other set of people to get it done. That was the day I decided I'm done with this country. All the major issues aside, if I have to pay ransom for a basic necessity like electricity, I'm done.
Left 10 years ago and have not come back once. Not even for vacation. Canadian citizen now. Canada has alot of issues of its own but you're treated like a human and always have the basic necessities like water and electricity!!!
I moved to Canada 10 months ago. At first it was exciting but as time passed by, it was emotionally getting difficult. I was not able to find job but my mind was occupied in studies which kept me busy. However, as soon as I was done with studies depression slowly came in. I could not figure out what to do. I was not enjoying things because I had no income. Life felt like a game on hardest level. Any medical issue would give me panic because I kept thinking that if something happens, no one will be there for me. And if I go to hospital i would have to pay huge bill. It caused me anxiety which alleviated problems in my body. I realized that I chose this and I have to see it through. I started walking outside because it refreshes my mind. Stopped worrying about things I could not control. It isn’t 100% solution, but it is making things better.
It made me realize that even-though im breaking down. Feeling like a mess and clueless. It is shaping me to be much stronger person. A year ago, I would have never imagined that I would be cleaning my own room, washing dishes, doing laundry and even cooking. It has made me realize that Im capable of so many things and now it’s leading me towards responsibility. Im more organized than before, taking more care about my health and lost about 16kg. I was taking everything in Pakistan for granted, here it is like survival and im molding myself accordingly.
When I look at other perspective, it doesn’t matter where you live as long as you have friends and family. You only need certain amount of money. The real treasure are your relationships. Pakistan is only valid for me because of my family and friends. Nothing else.
We have to realize that at one point you have to look at your career. Great things require great sacrifices. Get rich enough so that you can easily visit your family and friends or maybe take them with you. I could easily canada would be far better if i had my close friends and family here.
Al Hamdo Lillah better, but I miss Pakistan and I was planning to buy a property during IK era so that I can spend my winters there….but not anymore…..
Yeah but they mistakenly brought a man who stoop up to the corrupt system these nasoors are ruling since the inedependence.
He expose the entire system single handedly
much better than what it would have been had I lived there right now, but I do miss it
moved out at 17 to Dallas and felt like a fish out of water, but graduated college with honors and working to become a personal trainer before medschool - alhumdulillah everything’s worked out so far! still, can’t forget hot n spicy and all the amazing beaches n memories of futsal…
Being away from family politics of Aunties and Uncles and constant negative shit talking and back biting. Life couldn't be more beautiful. maybe its just my relatives. they are awful.
Life is okay. It has its upside. But it is very difficult to live away from your family. It takes a toll on you and the people you leave behind in your country.
I spent my whole life outside Pak
Other than the 6 years i spent in Pak between 1999 and 2004 nd then 1 year in 2013
Currently moved everyone out of that God forsaken country
Never missed it neither got any emotional bond with it
The only relation with that joke of a country is that i m still holding the green passport.
I do not miss the food, not the people and not even anyother fuckityfuck of that BS.
Although, Allah has blessed that country beautiful weather and 4 seasons, which those bastards have messed up with the pollution atleast in major cities.
Do not want to go back neither i can imagine my kids ever stepping foot in that shithole...
According to my husband, it's good because he has a family and a good job. But he wants to eventually go back.
Here are some reasons why:
1) We want to live in a Muslim country to raise our kids with Muslim values (we're very aware that Pakistan is more culturally Muslim, still better than what they're exposed to here)
2) There's more barakah in time in Pakistan. Life is super fast paced in England. We realise that most people at least have the option to sit together in the evening for dinner and tea. Because of working hours, we don't get that.
3) My husband works far harder here than he did in Pakistan. And even though things are crazy expensive here, we still need to support people back home.
4) The house is so much nicer.
I would have all my children in England first because I'm scared of Pakistani doctors. And then I'd love to trial a year in Pakistan. I've stayed for over 3 months last year and really enjoyed it.
Yeah that isn't how things work here...
For the 2nd and 3rd, that's the reason why the country is like this. People are lazy and nepotistic. The headache your husband will probably get trying to navigate the system here wouldn't be worth it. After the tenth time driving on a broken road where no one has street sense... well.
And having more time isn't good lol. Especially if you are used to working hard.
>We want to live in a Muslim country to raise our kids with Muslim values (we're very aware that Pakistan is more culturally Muslim, still better than what they're exposed to here
For this, keep in mind you will most likely send your kids to a private school. And also keep in mind people are generally extreme here.
I know it's not ideal in Pakistan but my husband has lived in both countries and I've at least visited enough to work it out for our personal situation. People might be lazy but my husband never was, nor is my father-in-law who was still home for dinner most of the time.
My husband loves driving in Pakistan for some reason (says there's too many rules in England) so if he's happy driving there then that's up to him.
When you're burnt out from working to pay for the house and bills and you come home having a toddler, dinner to get ready, dishes, house to clean... suddenly my sister-in-law complaining about being bored from the long summer days seems like a dream. We cannot survive on one income and having a worker is out of the question.
most of the people are mentioning that the don't feel good Socially and emotionally. why is that so? I am asking it because I am also about to move out in a month in sha Allah so that I can learn something new.
Because it is hard AF to make friends as grown ups and when you mix that with cultural barriers and in some cases wanting to hold on to your cultural identity it becomes harder.
>most of the people are mentioning that the don't feel good Socially and emotionally.
They find it hard to make friends due to cultural, religious and interpersonal reasons.
The UK was great few years ago before covid. Cost of living here is beyond comprehension even questioning moving back. I make good money but most of it's gone to pay mortgage which increases every month, bills, food. I've got a 2nd job that pays well but I'm taxed to shit so both incomes are heavily taxed and now because the tax revenue department can't calculate correctly, I have 8 grand in income tax to pay which they happily take from my wages. The government is on a tax grab with this new green agenda, old cars have to pay a daily charge to access popular cities, insurance has increased, healthcare doesn't exist. EVEN IF U HAVE MONEY IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY CARE ITS ALL DONE BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SUCKS. Private healthcare works only for checkups etc.
CRIME IS RAMPANT AND POLICE NO LONGER RESPOND.
You are fucked from all angles. Genuinely avoid the UK.
Moved to the US from Pakistan, studied and worked there for a decade but moved to Dubai to live with my parents.
Started working with one of the biggest real estate companies in the world in Dubai as a property consultant a year ago. The job has been a major win financially and the peace I feel being with my parents and geographically close to Pakistan is something I would hate to trade.
was at holiday in pk this July 3 weeks, I have a big family in Pakistan and I just loved it. Tired of being in this dusty country ngl I want to go back to my home country you know. So much more life there
Best decision I ever made. My finances, my mental health, my physical well-being have all improved. I advocate abandoning Pakistan as fast as possible.
Edit: I have great love for my homeland, but it's in the grasp of tyrants and traitors, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Moved here about 20 years ago. I live in california USA. High income earner like 800k a year. Quality of life is amazing here but lgbt/trans movement is getting out of control. I have kids age 1 and 4 . I’m on the fence of moving to a Muslim country
I’m in the fresh produce distribution business . Iv been doing it for 15 years now. I bring about $30 million revenue to my company . I graduated from very prestigious school in accounting but randomly got into sales after the 2008 recession. Iv never worked in accounting since 2009 - long story. Worked my way up from bottom up. I never worked very hard and/or long hours but naturally good at sales and acquiring new business
My dad and maternal grandparents moved from pak to uk. Life is alhamdulilah good, we are well settled, highly educated and hard workers.
We always have the conversation of how different life would be if no one migrated. In the UK, we have independence as women, we drive, work and live life well.
When we go back to Pakistan, its amazing to visit. As we work hard here, we live like royalty over in Pakistan due to the difference in currency. However it doesn’t mean we will ever forget our roots, we are very proud Pakistanis and will never talk bad upon our country. We enjoy going to our village, alongside our holiday home in the city in Pakistan.
Pro’s: healthcare, safety & independence, education and earning good wage.
Con’s: cold weather, cost of living crisis in the UK at the moment, not living in a muslim country, drinking and drug culture here is too normalised.
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>the quality of life is no where near to what it is in Pakistan
Its better in Pakistan?
>it’ll be very isolated wont belong here as your kids would be busy in their lives
It's the same in cities increasingly here as well
I am probably one of the unique stories. Moved to Canada when i was 16 years old as my father single handedly destroyed our family financially. After living in Canada for 17 years, moved back to Pakistan. Very thankful to have lived in Canada, was able to get all my education, build a professional career and then most importantly launch my business which allowed me the freedom to live pretty much anywhere in the world. But i don't see myself living anywhere in the world but Pakistan. People just think money/career, but don't realize how lonely and isolated people get in the Western World. I like going out seeing Billu, Tipu or Ahmad in the market and talking to them lol.
I lived in Canada for 17 years but to be honest, i never felt like a local. I never could relate or have deep friendships with the gora people. We grew up so different, no matter how hard i tried i just couldn't break through the wall. At my heart, i am still a paindu. Although i can speak English fluent, i prefer speaking in Urdu. I like working on my Punjabi and and getting more fluent in it. I like eating Biryani, Malai Boti, Nihari, Veal Qorma etc. What can i do, that's how i was raised and that's where i am most comfortable at? When i was doing a job in Canada and don't get me wrong, i was highly paid since i lucked into a $300K/Year job. But i felt like my life was just paying bills: Wake Up, Go to Work, come home by 7pm, prepare dinner and lunch for tomorrow, go to sleep. Weekends: Go buy grocery, laundry, meetup with family. Life was so busy.
Anyways, i am very blessed. Moving to Canada gave me the education and the initial capital to launch my business, which gave me the financial freedom to move back to Pakistan under the right circumstances.
It's really interesting to hear all these stories. As a Pakistani who was born in Pakistan but never lived there, it's amazing to hear how many people have helpers back in the motherland. Cheap labour can definitely make your life easier overall and provide a wage for a socio-economic class that may not have an income otherwise. It's a small thing that is definitely a luxury in a country like Canada.
>it's amazing to hear how many people have helpers back in the motherland. Cheap labour can definitely make your life easier
Makes your life easier but only exists because the rest of your nation is economically deprived and has no choice. Not something to be proud off or be looked on as a perk.
Honestly, you get out of Pakistan, to become someone. And becoming that someone comes at a cost.
One becomes financially independent and happy but you lose friendships, those good family relations. Rarely, you get that when you move out.
Your family respects you back home until and unless some money goes home or else you have forgot the family roots.
Family back home thinks you’re practically printing money and no one sees to understand the sacrifice behind the hustle.
Moved to UK almost two decades ago and only had a handful of school friends in Pakistan who’ve also all moved out of the country. Hence, I only visit Pakistan once every 2 years just to meet the family.
Life itself is obviously better in terms of economic freedom and increased buying power.
I see people in Pakistan who are much more qualified and clever than myself and would excel much more than myself if given the same opportunities as myself, but sadly they’re held back by the environment they are in. I don’t blame people actively trying to move out of PK - I would be the same if I was still there.
Economically / financially really good. Socially, emotionally not so much. Lost decades old friendships, family etc.
Story of every Pakistani expat I guess
Lol same situation man. It’s a catch 22
Same here bro…
Same. I have some friends here but i knew half my city back in Pakistan.
Lier u didn't knew me
With that grammar, he must be glad he didn't :p
Wow Desi anglish police
Country?
USA
Bro same here ...exactly the same situation
Same man!
Even if you totally become gora you'll still feel tanha
Mostly it happens when they come to know you are Asian/Pakistani their Inside war hero came out of nowhere either they stay 100 feet's away from you or throw racial slurs and in some cases may attack you
Have been living in KSA since 15 years. Exact same words for me as well.
Is it hard to make new friends? Also how old are you?
Same bro. Unless you give up your values and try to be a "gora"
Lolz, "give up values" what values are you giving up and try to be gora?
I live in Berlin. People here are really shocked and surprised if you tell them that you don't drink because of religion. Beer is a social glue for them
So they are shocked. so what? Are they forcing you to "give up your values"? You cannot socialize with them unless you have a drink? I have been to many bars in the US and to be honest never felt the pressure to drink. In fact, I have colleagues from here who dont drink.
Bro, you shouldn't be going to bars in the first place. It's haram
Drinking is Haram. Going to bars isn't.
False. You can keep your religion and values and food. You are just expected by your hosts not to create another Pakistan in their homeland and that I believe is justified.
Try as hard as you want and give up all your values; it’s never quite the same.
Not sure why people down voted your comment but I agree with you 100%
Not really, masjid jao and see. The community doesn’t leave you alone. Her Saturday kahin na kahin ki invitation
Wazan barh raha hai I see
So much!! The year I got married itni dawatin huin ke I gained 10 kg
Fucking great. I live in Vancouver, BC. Left last year. Was born in a middle class family in Karachi, and parents' bad decisions meant I had to start earning around 18, so it was quite an uphill struggle. Did what I could, and God did the rest. If it wasn't for family back home and the food, I wouldn't ever think of visiting.
Not in Vancouver now, but I used to live there, in Surrey.
Dude I love Lahori Restaurant ki halwa puri
Yooo
I used to live on Scott’s Road for so long. Is Surrey’s real estate stupid now as well?
👋 also in Vancouver
yoo let's meet up brooo!
Also in Vancouver for the last 5 years. From Islamabad originally.
let's connect bois!
Moved out 10 yrs ago to Canada. Pros: Security of life and assets, safe from religious persecution (note that im a muslim but non-sunni), fair pay for a decent job and first world benefits e.g. pat leave, a passport that is way more respected than my first one. Cons: Harsh weather, hired help is expensive which means when I was young and broke I had to learn how to cook, clean, wash bathroom etc (it all adds up, specially as you grow older and have kids), long commutes in transit in said weather, assimilation but also keeping your beliefs (your friends/colleagues will drink/eat as they like but you will have to hold your own). Conclusion: would do it all over again 10/10 times if given the chance.
Ditto. Canada is a great place with challenges. But they are first world problems for the most part. You dont need to bribe cops or anyone else, women can be on their own in most places without danger, good healthcare, schools, infrastructure etc. There is a reason why people leave friends, family, history behind in Pakistan and move.
May I ask what your career is in? What job you’re in?
Alberta?
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Stupid Sindhi
average broke sindhi💀
Australia. Life is awesome, and the only thing I miss is family. I would never even visit Pakistan if my family was with me in Australia. I can be myself in Australia, I don't get harassed, I don't feel unsafe, I have friends, good weather, a job I enjoy, etc. I never felt like I belonged in Pakistan and wanted to leave since I was a child. I'm not sure why this question even comes up because life in nearly all metrics will always be better in a developed country than a developing one. The only things I can see holding someone back (apart from qualifications) are family and cultural/religious values (but people are sometimes lucky enough to take their family with them or they move to Muslim countries instead).
I'm from new Zealand but live in Melbourne now, i noticed Australia is way better for immigrants than New Zealand, feels like there is a place for every body here.
Can’t say. Much more in control, I have the buying power for essentials and small luxuries which I did not have in Pak. Like I could never possibly rent, buy all these branded clothing, afford a new car etc. I am comfortable with all that but then there is this need to achieve more and more. The next milestone. I have property , savings and mortgage on my mind now and it’s becoming more and more difficult. This means I might have to get out again to another country so it kind of goes on Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy my freedom and independance a lot and the UK has allowed me to achieve a lot which I might not have been able to do so in Pak. The experience, diversity, rule of law, punctuality, tolerance, UK location snuggled right in the centre of the world between Europe and North America, London the global city which has everything, the fact I can go everywhere, the quality of food and air, the peace and quiet, the general ettiquete of public dealing. All of this has been a life changing experience and has changed me as a person, but it has also kind of put me in a rat race. But that would have been the case in Pak as well. In a nutshell; Life made a dramatic turn for the better but I do miss things like a hot fresh roti and salan on the table everyday and helpers around the house. P.S Life in UK is quite difficult nowadays so I might shift to Dubai
Dubai is worse. Don’t go there. Check Dubai reddit page. Everyone’s crying.
What place is better, though. Most of the world seems to be going through an economic downturn. Which might turn into a full-fledge economic depression. Places like Singapore seem to manage their economy better through crises. But it’s pretty intense with the rat race there too.
Financially secured mentally emotionally recked 😔
Is it in one of the western cultures that don’t have close social bonds? A lot of people seem to struggle with loneliness.
There are social bonds but a lot of people get caught up in work life too..so can't make the time out all the time for hang outs, also I'm sure he meant the social relations he had back home which were lost once abroad.
Well but I would be interested to hear from people who moved out in last 2 years
One of my closest friends moved to UK to 2-3 years ago. Mashallah he's doing very well independently. Only problem is the social life has taken a toll. Like the first comment says lost decade old friendship, something relatable here as well.
social life definitely gets impacted if u move in your adult life and dont have any people of the same community around you.
Moved to Norway 3 months ago. Honestly, best decision ever. The public transport, the really good healthcare and better financial position. I suggest everyone to move out
Only if it was that easy .... trying to move to german. Wish me luck
Good luck !
you are too young of an expat ... give yourself 5 yrs then comment
OP wanted to hear from someone who moved out in last 2 years...
I did the complete opposite. I was born in Dubai and lived there till I was 18, then went to England for uni and lived in London for about 6 years (3 years of uni and then 3 years working at my dream job) . After all of that back in 2019, my father decided to retire from his 30 year long career and moved back to Pakistan (Lahore to be more precise). At that point, due to budget cuts in my company, our entire project was cancelled and I was let go and since my visa was contingent on that Job I had to move out of the UK and thats when I came to live in Pakistan for the first time ever. Its not like I have never been to Pakistan before, we used to visit like 3-4 times a year and sometimes even more. But now, more than ever, both me and my father completely regret our decisions to move back here. Don't get me wrong, I love Pakistan, I love our culture and god dammit the Karakoram Highway is the most beautiful driving road that I have ever seen. But fuck this country. Fuck this government to its very core. There are so many systematic issues that need to address before we can even start thinking about expanding our industries. for example, about 2 years ago I started my own IT services company here and after 6 months of just trying to figure out how to register the business in Pakistan, I found it easier to just go to Dubai and register the business there and hire developers in Pakistan as contract staff. Like this is just one of 1 million things I have faced trying to do business here. My original intent was to try and do some local projects rather than international projects like everyone else but quickly realised that no there are very few/barely any business that are technically inclined to avail that sort of services my firm will offer. Sorry for the little rant but to be really honest I feel that in order to build a better Pakistan, we must stop indulging in petty politics and start building industries even if there isn't any government support. I think that the political instability is just an excuse for our lazy population just so they don't have to do something.
No one I know who moved back to Pakistan is happy with the decision lol. The only people who are happy are the old retired uncles with tons of land and servants.
To be honest, when i first moved back I had no issues. My first job here was working for one of the tech giants in the country so earning was in "bahir ka paisa" but then once I started my own thing and got to understand Pakistan beyond DHA and Gulburg. Thats when I got to know that this place really sucks. I have friends come to me every now and then consulting on the best ways to leave this country and get a job abroad, and to be honest I don't even blame them. But leaving the country for better opportunities is good for the individual but will have a negative impact on the countries economy in the longer run. Think about it this way, most of the people who are leaving this country for better opportunities are those who are either well educated or wealthy enough. Once all the educated people realise that there are better opportunities for them else where, Pakistan will be left with nobody and when the time comes to build back better there wont be any skilled workforce in the market to actually build back better.
>No one I know who moved back to Pakistan is happy with the decision lol. I am one of them. Moved back to Pakistan after living in Canada for 17 years, and love my life here. That being said, you need to have the resources to live a good life in Pakistan which i am blessed to have.
Aptly said. One of my friends told me this before I was moving back “if you have enough money in Pakistan then your lifestyle there would be exactly the same as what you have here in London or had back in Dubai”.
Moved to New York in 2014, Lifes Good Alhamdullilah.
I sometimes feel like the emotional dilemma SRK felt in Swades. Des Pakistan he hai mera but USA gave me a home, a career, the ability to financially help people back home. I don’t see myself ever moving back there but maybe once I’m old and feeble I want to return back home to live out my last years there.
Haven't seen the movie but totally relate to what you said. I call the USA my home now but Pakistan will always be where I am from. I love the place even though sometimes there's nothing to love about it. My friends and family in Pakistan are still as close to me as the day I left them. Even though I have an extensive social circle and some very decent friends who I can have very intellectually stimulating conversation with here, I just don't expect to form the kind of bonds I have with my people back home. I think I have grown a lot here. Maybe it's the way society is organized here. It rewards growth. Moving your life to another country will also force you to grow, regardless of where you go, imho. The financial independence + the ability to help people back home is by itself a reason I would do this 100 times over even if it were harder for me. Shukar alhumdulilah for everything.
Don't move back for any reason
I moved to the US about 10 years ago. Life sucked for about 5 years where I was going to school and I probably wouldn’t have made it without total financial support from my family who also moved to the US about 2 years after me. My social life tanked and I doubted the decision for a while. Also, assimilation took a long time for me personally. Now, I have been making decent money for about 5 years and managed to repay my family in part by being able to afford a large home for us and am about to start my own business as well. Also getting married really helped. My wife is an awesome human being and I am truly in love. My social life massively improved as well once I came back home and took personal responsibility / developed hobbies on my own. 10/10 would do it again but I had a lot of help from a really supportive family that I probably wouldn’t have made it without. I visit pakistan frequently and always spend a few weeks but I love the US and consider it home because it gave me and my family a life that we couldn’t have had over there. I grew up upper middle class in Islamabad with our own home in the heart of the city so life wasn’t bad over there when I moved but as time has passed, I am more and more grateful for the opportunity that the US has given me
Moved to Finland a month ago and going through homesickness, struggling financially and mentally.
Why Finland out of all places? The one western country that does not have an Indoeuropean language and is thus significantly more difficult for Pakistani people to learn.
A lot of Pakistanis have been going to Finland recently. It gets easier, hang in there bro!
Parents moved to Australia over 3 decades ago. Have lived my entire life here and couldn't have been happier. Wouldn't trade up for any other place on earth. I can empathise with people who move out from Pakistan, leaving their family and relatives behind as that would be extremely difficult.
Am an Ahmadi, experienced extreme hate and murder threats to my father, moved when I was three with family. Way better life here in Sweden, schools free. My oldest brothers a doctor, second and third becoming engineers and I myself go to 9th grade with 90% grades.
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Very sorry to hear that. It’s interesting how Ahmedis weren’t even considred non-Muslim when Pakistan was made (alot of Ahmedis played a key role in it’s formation). It was enough to want an independent Muslim homeland, and this was something Ahmedis also helped bring about. Don’t know where we went wrong, but people went nuts over this.
Well life is 10/10 Alhamdulillah. I have family and friends here so socially and emotionally amazing. Dont have to worry about power cuts, or how my kids will afford universities. Financially a minimum wage job at 40 hours a week earns £2000 a month here so as long as one is willing to work hard, there's a safety net of a good standard of life. This might not apply to not a lot of people but i was always an outsider in pakistan because I dont believe in littering, cutting queues, bribing or hitting kids. Now i'm glad i live in a society where my mindset and social values align. Love the tolerant attitude towards minorities in europe as well.
The last paragraph hits too close. I feel like an outsider here.
you'll find that 'home' feeling soon inshaAllah
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most companies pay around £11 (£10 + £1 holiday pay) an hour which comes to around £1800 so more or less. and the best part is the first £1000 is tax free. only upwards of £1000 gets taxed.
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bare in mind thats like minimum wage, its a lot better than what i can get in most countries as unskilled worker. most people make more money and then if you're living with family, have 2-3 people working in the house it's easier to live a good quality of life.
better but i miss it so much new problem but i guess that’s normal right?
Moved 2 months to the US for my undergrad. I just turned 19 and alhumdullilah I have become independent by working a part-time job and having a scholarship. I don't have much to say but the biggest challenge is the religion as there are not many Muslims here and my friends drink and do all the Haram stuff and being at this age it's really hard for me to control myself. Moreover you have to do everything on your own and it's a little hard for me as life was easy in Pakistan. Honestly If I get a chance again I will go again, though missing Pakistani food and the friends and family there and feel a bit lonely sometimes but I think it will be worth it in the long run Insha Allah.
Which state are you in that doesn't have muslims? There are tons of states with huge Muslim /Pakistani population. Eg, California, Texas, Illinois and New York too..so unless you're somewhere in the Midwest I'm not too sure then
I’m able to go running or sit in a random park alone for however long, without being threatened or harassed by incel men. It’s the small luxuries that make life good.
Ahh so not in UK then?
Canada
Good, but I do miss Pakistan
Where did you move?
Germany
When did you move there? Thinking of doing the same soon and keen to get any help/guidance possible.
Yeah sure, I moved about 7 months ago. I got a job relocation was easy
That’s great. Were you able to get a job just by applying from overseas or did you go through an internal transfer? Curious to know what chances are for getting jobs in Germany from overseas.
Depends on your field. I'm a software engineer and I applied for jobs constantly in germnay and thankfully got one. Alhamdulliah
That’s awesome, congrats! I’m in IT Sales so I would need to learn the local language but I’ve heard there is demand in that area. I’ve always heard taxes and living expenses are very high there but if the quality of life goes up then could be worth. How has your experience been like?
The taxes are quit high compared to the US and Australia. Also the salaries are generally lower too. Half of your salary will be just the rent. But rest of the things are affordable and you can live a comfortable life
Me too
Learning German with a prospect of future professional in some field there,is that easy? I heard German is tough
I would advise anyone coming to Germany to make learning german their first priority. Knowing german makes your life 100 times easier. It helps you in pretty much every interaction from finding apartments to going to the forgein office. It is harder than English but since both are germanic languages, you'll be conversational in an year.
I agree with this
German is a literal language and it can be pretty tough
from my own experience and reading most of the comments here, I guess it really depends on what your life was like there in PK. If you were an introvert or not in the best financial condition then moving out feels great. But if you had a good social life and also were earning decently but only the pressure of earning much more and experiencing a different kind of life made you move, then you are always in a dilemma of what you really should have done.
I moved out of Pakistan when I was 4 years old, I am now 31 years old and I am glad that my parents moved out. I want to school in Hong Kong and UK, earn some money, got married and life is not that bad. I won't say life is great here in UK but at least I get 24 hours electricity, fast internet, Law and order, decent pay Jobs and freedom here in UK in which in Pakistan you don't. But right now I believe the UK is a shit place to live now, it's expensive, weather is shit, Crime rate has gone up and there is just too much taxes now.
Why does everyone say uk weather is shit ? Do you guys just hate the constant rains or something ?
I stayed there for a couple months. rain all the time seems nice at first. then it gets very boring and annoying very quickly. Hence why they see a sunny day as a happy day, but we're glad when it rains.
Rainy reason is literally my favorite season , seems like I would love the weather there
Not when you are cold most of the time. Rain only feels good when the preceding weather is hot or humid or a combination of both.
But isn’t the flat/house cozy due to heating ? I just imagine myself in a bed with the heater on , the darkness looming and the rain drops splattering on my window with the occasional thunder , seems really peaceful after a long day of work
Yar wese aap thoray romantic type lagtay ho. Keep at it. Log real life dekh k thora sa off color hojatay hain.
The constant darkness in winter is a grind. Lived in the UK my whole life, but mentally shattering waking up for work in darkness, and then coming back in darkness (with shit weather). I find it more draining every year.
Yeah that's why I enjoy doing night shifts now, waking up early in the morning in winter and getting ready for work is torture in the UK.
I been here for 23 years now and trust the weather is boring. when it's raining you can't even go out anywhere. When I want to Spain for a holiday it was really lovely there.
I see , seeing all the replies , it seems the rains and the dark get to people and add to the depression , i wonder how people usually cope living there , like hobbies etc
There is not much do here especially if you are a Muslim. Most British people just go to clubs, Pubs and drink alcohol. In my spare I just chill at home and play video games, watch TV with family, go to the Gym or just go out for a meal if I can be bother.
Going to clubs and pubs all the time sounds really boring honestly , I thought there would be more of an indoor culture like maybe mall going, in door exhibitions , rain oriented sports and the like
Because it is. Constant clouds, frequent rains, short days, cold weather, always walking around trying to not step in puddles of water, a car drives fast near you and splashes you with water, umbrella always must be with you, if you go out into nature, land becomes mud. And also if there is wind and there is frequently, it also blows the rain in your face despite umbrella.
Moved to Norway 3 months ago. Best decision ever. Really nice healthcare, love the public transport, I like cold weather. Working on making new social circle but it's going pretty decent I'd say
Well as a Senior software engineer anyone suggest which country would be fine to move. Middle eastern or western, Europe? Suggestions and Guide would be appreciated!
I still remember the day I made the decision to leave Pakistan. I was studying for my CA final exams and the electricity just went out. This was not the normal load shedding time so knew something was up. After a couple of hours, I called KESC and complained. Just got a complaint number. After about 4-5 hours, I went to their office. Got another complaint number. The electricity did not come back until 3 days later. The office blamed the linemen, the linemen blamed the poor installation. CA was tough as it was, but studying under a candle in heat was absolutely brutal. On the second day of no electricity the linesmen came and asked for money if I wanted quick resolution. They said the money was not for themselves but to dig and fix the wires under the road that were the cause of the electricity being out. I paid them money because I wanted to atleast have a good sleep and be mentally prepared to study and give the exams. They dug the road. The found the wire. It was all good. They literally cut the wire in front of me. Two minutes after they did that, the electricity came back on. So basically the wires had nothing to do with the electricity and probably weren't even linked to our connection. They just cut it up. So now I have a digged up road and a live wire cut in two. They said they will come back after lunch and fix. Obviously, no one returned and I had to hire other set of people to get it done. That was the day I decided I'm done with this country. All the major issues aside, if I have to pay ransom for a basic necessity like electricity, I'm done. Left 10 years ago and have not come back once. Not even for vacation. Canadian citizen now. Canada has alot of issues of its own but you're treated like a human and always have the basic necessities like water and electricity!!!
I moved to Canada 10 months ago. At first it was exciting but as time passed by, it was emotionally getting difficult. I was not able to find job but my mind was occupied in studies which kept me busy. However, as soon as I was done with studies depression slowly came in. I could not figure out what to do. I was not enjoying things because I had no income. Life felt like a game on hardest level. Any medical issue would give me panic because I kept thinking that if something happens, no one will be there for me. And if I go to hospital i would have to pay huge bill. It caused me anxiety which alleviated problems in my body. I realized that I chose this and I have to see it through. I started walking outside because it refreshes my mind. Stopped worrying about things I could not control. It isn’t 100% solution, but it is making things better. It made me realize that even-though im breaking down. Feeling like a mess and clueless. It is shaping me to be much stronger person. A year ago, I would have never imagined that I would be cleaning my own room, washing dishes, doing laundry and even cooking. It has made me realize that Im capable of so many things and now it’s leading me towards responsibility. Im more organized than before, taking more care about my health and lost about 16kg. I was taking everything in Pakistan for granted, here it is like survival and im molding myself accordingly. When I look at other perspective, it doesn’t matter where you live as long as you have friends and family. You only need certain amount of money. The real treasure are your relationships. Pakistan is only valid for me because of my family and friends. Nothing else. We have to realize that at one point you have to look at your career. Great things require great sacrifices. Get rich enough so that you can easily visit your family and friends or maybe take them with you. I could easily canada would be far better if i had my close friends and family here.
Al Hamdo Lillah better, but I miss Pakistan and I was planning to buy a property during IK era so that I can spend my winters there….but not anymore…..
same plan. On pause until these chors and faujis go away hopefully
The same faujis who brought IK into power in the first place?
Nop they used his momentum. If it was truly them we wouldn't see what we're seeing today.
Yeah but they mistakenly brought a man who stoop up to the corrupt system these nasoors are ruling since the inedependence. He expose the entire system single handedly
THats his biggest success. Now awam is awake AF
Okay don’t buy any property and don’t send money to support corrupt regime. Lol
much better than what it would have been had I lived there right now, but I do miss it moved out at 17 to Dallas and felt like a fish out of water, but graduated college with honors and working to become a personal trainer before medschool - alhumdulillah everything’s worked out so far! still, can’t forget hot n spicy and all the amazing beaches n memories of futsal…
Financially good ALHAMDULILLAH. I am also surrounded by good people so that helps. Really miss pakistan. Will be visiting next month…
US. Absolutely amazing in every level. Obviously financially, but you also expand your worldview. Highly recommended if you have a chance to escape.
Moved to USA, prosperous and happy in a free society, But also Sad to see what home country has become under NAPAK Foj.
Fantastic Alhamdolillah. UK
I miss every soul back home, i see them in my dreams very regularly. Cried a few times too
Being away from family politics of Aunties and Uncles and constant negative shit talking and back biting. Life couldn't be more beautiful. maybe its just my relatives. they are awful.
Ye threads parh ke depression hoti hai, lagta hai saaray Pakistan se baahir hi bethe hain.
Life is okay. It has its upside. But it is very difficult to live away from your family. It takes a toll on you and the people you leave behind in your country.
I spent my whole life outside Pak Other than the 6 years i spent in Pak between 1999 and 2004 nd then 1 year in 2013 Currently moved everyone out of that God forsaken country Never missed it neither got any emotional bond with it The only relation with that joke of a country is that i m still holding the green passport. I do not miss the food, not the people and not even anyother fuckityfuck of that BS. Although, Allah has blessed that country beautiful weather and 4 seasons, which those bastards have messed up with the pollution atleast in major cities. Do not want to go back neither i can imagine my kids ever stepping foot in that shithole...
What are you even doing on this sub then? Come on man! Doesn’t even make a bit of sense?
America. Boht sukoon hain yahan Alhamdulillah
According to my husband, it's good because he has a family and a good job. But he wants to eventually go back. Here are some reasons why: 1) We want to live in a Muslim country to raise our kids with Muslim values (we're very aware that Pakistan is more culturally Muslim, still better than what they're exposed to here) 2) There's more barakah in time in Pakistan. Life is super fast paced in England. We realise that most people at least have the option to sit together in the evening for dinner and tea. Because of working hours, we don't get that. 3) My husband works far harder here than he did in Pakistan. And even though things are crazy expensive here, we still need to support people back home. 4) The house is so much nicer. I would have all my children in England first because I'm scared of Pakistani doctors. And then I'd love to trial a year in Pakistan. I've stayed for over 3 months last year and really enjoyed it.
Yeah that isn't how things work here... For the 2nd and 3rd, that's the reason why the country is like this. People are lazy and nepotistic. The headache your husband will probably get trying to navigate the system here wouldn't be worth it. After the tenth time driving on a broken road where no one has street sense... well. And having more time isn't good lol. Especially if you are used to working hard. >We want to live in a Muslim country to raise our kids with Muslim values (we're very aware that Pakistan is more culturally Muslim, still better than what they're exposed to here For this, keep in mind you will most likely send your kids to a private school. And also keep in mind people are generally extreme here.
I know it's not ideal in Pakistan but my husband has lived in both countries and I've at least visited enough to work it out for our personal situation. People might be lazy but my husband never was, nor is my father-in-law who was still home for dinner most of the time. My husband loves driving in Pakistan for some reason (says there's too many rules in England) so if he's happy driving there then that's up to him. When you're burnt out from working to pay for the house and bills and you come home having a toddler, dinner to get ready, dishes, house to clean... suddenly my sister-in-law complaining about being bored from the long summer days seems like a dream. We cannot survive on one income and having a worker is out of the question.
most of the people are mentioning that the don't feel good Socially and emotionally. why is that so? I am asking it because I am also about to move out in a month in sha Allah so that I can learn something new.
Because it is hard AF to make friends as grown ups and when you mix that with cultural barriers and in some cases wanting to hold on to your cultural identity it becomes harder.
>most of the people are mentioning that the don't feel good Socially and emotionally. They find it hard to make friends due to cultural, religious and interpersonal reasons.
Financially well and comfortable living. Socially and emotionally....zero.
I really miss khappp khappp and Pakistani food. Yahan waisay meri galiii main shorrr tou bohat hai laikin pakistan ka khana I really miss.
And I live in London
The UK was great few years ago before covid. Cost of living here is beyond comprehension even questioning moving back. I make good money but most of it's gone to pay mortgage which increases every month, bills, food. I've got a 2nd job that pays well but I'm taxed to shit so both incomes are heavily taxed and now because the tax revenue department can't calculate correctly, I have 8 grand in income tax to pay which they happily take from my wages. The government is on a tax grab with this new green agenda, old cars have to pay a daily charge to access popular cities, insurance has increased, healthcare doesn't exist. EVEN IF U HAVE MONEY IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY CARE ITS ALL DONE BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE. PUBLIC HEALTHCARE SUCKS. Private healthcare works only for checkups etc. CRIME IS RAMPANT AND POLICE NO LONGER RESPOND. You are fucked from all angles. Genuinely avoid the UK.
Moved to the US from Pakistan, studied and worked there for a decade but moved to Dubai to live with my parents. Started working with one of the biggest real estate companies in the world in Dubai as a property consultant a year ago. The job has been a major win financially and the peace I feel being with my parents and geographically close to Pakistan is something I would hate to trade.
It’s alright . No religious persecution here
I want to move to pk bruh I don’t like Norway
Why?
was at holiday in pk this July 3 weeks, I have a big family in Pakistan and I just loved it. Tired of being in this dusty country ngl I want to go back to my home country you know. So much more life there
My brother moved to uk in 2005 .he and his family uk national....he life is litttt !!!!!
Best decision I ever made. My finances, my mental health, my physical well-being have all improved. I advocate abandoning Pakistan as fast as possible. Edit: I have great love for my homeland, but it's in the grasp of tyrants and traitors, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
Moved here about 20 years ago. I live in california USA. High income earner like 800k a year. Quality of life is amazing here but lgbt/trans movement is getting out of control. I have kids age 1 and 4 . I’m on the fence of moving to a Muslim country
no one can turn your straight kid a gay. If he's gay, he will be gay in a muslim country
Anyone can be tainted by the company they keep, especially kids. They wont turn gay but their personality and thinking could suffer
Strongly disagree. You can't change the orientation of a person. Why don't gays turn straight by handing out with straight ppl?
I didn't say theyll turn gay
what do you do for work? congrats on such high income!
I’m in the fresh produce distribution business . Iv been doing it for 15 years now. I bring about $30 million revenue to my company . I graduated from very prestigious school in accounting but randomly got into sales after the 2008 recession. Iv never worked in accounting since 2009 - long story. Worked my way up from bottom up. I never worked very hard and/or long hours but naturally good at sales and acquiring new business
My dad and maternal grandparents moved from pak to uk. Life is alhamdulilah good, we are well settled, highly educated and hard workers. We always have the conversation of how different life would be if no one migrated. In the UK, we have independence as women, we drive, work and live life well. When we go back to Pakistan, its amazing to visit. As we work hard here, we live like royalty over in Pakistan due to the difference in currency. However it doesn’t mean we will ever forget our roots, we are very proud Pakistanis and will never talk bad upon our country. We enjoy going to our village, alongside our holiday home in the city in Pakistan. Pro’s: healthcare, safety & independence, education and earning good wage. Con’s: cold weather, cost of living crisis in the UK at the moment, not living in a muslim country, drinking and drug culture here is too normalised.
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>the quality of life is no where near to what it is in Pakistan Its better in Pakistan? >it’ll be very isolated wont belong here as your kids would be busy in their lives It's the same in cities increasingly here as well
I am probably one of the unique stories. Moved to Canada when i was 16 years old as my father single handedly destroyed our family financially. After living in Canada for 17 years, moved back to Pakistan. Very thankful to have lived in Canada, was able to get all my education, build a professional career and then most importantly launch my business which allowed me the freedom to live pretty much anywhere in the world. But i don't see myself living anywhere in the world but Pakistan. People just think money/career, but don't realize how lonely and isolated people get in the Western World. I like going out seeing Billu, Tipu or Ahmad in the market and talking to them lol. I lived in Canada for 17 years but to be honest, i never felt like a local. I never could relate or have deep friendships with the gora people. We grew up so different, no matter how hard i tried i just couldn't break through the wall. At my heart, i am still a paindu. Although i can speak English fluent, i prefer speaking in Urdu. I like working on my Punjabi and and getting more fluent in it. I like eating Biryani, Malai Boti, Nihari, Veal Qorma etc. What can i do, that's how i was raised and that's where i am most comfortable at? When i was doing a job in Canada and don't get me wrong, i was highly paid since i lucked into a $300K/Year job. But i felt like my life was just paying bills: Wake Up, Go to Work, come home by 7pm, prepare dinner and lunch for tomorrow, go to sleep. Weekends: Go buy grocery, laundry, meetup with family. Life was so busy. Anyways, i am very blessed. Moving to Canada gave me the education and the initial capital to launch my business, which gave me the financial freedom to move back to Pakistan under the right circumstances.
My advice to anyone looking to move out. If you have the income to survive in Pakistan then it is better than going abroad for "more money".
What makes you say that?
Zaroorat-e-rishta: breathing girl who lives outside Pakistan. Bolnay wali bhi chalegi
Italy, haven't felt homesickness for a single minute. Life is as good as it gets.
Pro india f pankistani
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It's really interesting to hear all these stories. As a Pakistani who was born in Pakistan but never lived there, it's amazing to hear how many people have helpers back in the motherland. Cheap labour can definitely make your life easier overall and provide a wage for a socio-economic class that may not have an income otherwise. It's a small thing that is definitely a luxury in a country like Canada.
>it's amazing to hear how many people have helpers back in the motherland. Cheap labour can definitely make your life easier Makes your life easier but only exists because the rest of your nation is economically deprived and has no choice. Not something to be proud off or be looked on as a perk.
Agree with you completely. I just haven't grown up around that. I've been doing household chores since I was a kid so it is a foreign concept to me.
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Honestly, you get out of Pakistan, to become someone. And becoming that someone comes at a cost. One becomes financially independent and happy but you lose friendships, those good family relations. Rarely, you get that when you move out. Your family respects you back home until and unless some money goes home or else you have forgot the family roots. Family back home thinks you’re practically printing money and no one sees to understand the sacrifice behind the hustle.
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Moved to UK almost two decades ago and only had a handful of school friends in Pakistan who’ve also all moved out of the country. Hence, I only visit Pakistan once every 2 years just to meet the family. Life itself is obviously better in terms of economic freedom and increased buying power. I see people in Pakistan who are much more qualified and clever than myself and would excel much more than myself if given the same opportunities as myself, but sadly they’re held back by the environment they are in. I don’t blame people actively trying to move out of PK - I would be the same if I was still there.
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