How are Pakistanis viewed around the world?

[MenInG]

I can tell you from my experience in the Middle-East that an impression of Pakistanis seems to be that of people who are hot-tempered but skillful!

 

[troodon]

I have worked with people of various nationalities in the past 15 years and I can safely say that most of them have negative view of Pakistan in general.

 

[Tiger96]

In the Western Countries, Pakistan has the perception of being a Global hub of Terrorism which is linked to every terrorist attack in the World.

In comparison India is seem as a Third World Country where people take dump on the streets.

Arabs consider the Indians as very intelligent and hard working people.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Pakistanis have worse image than Indians but better than Chinese at least in the US.

 

[slipcatch]

Pakistanis have worse image than Indians but better than Chinese at least in the US.

This alone should tell you that problem is what you have been fed to believe.

 

[Syed1]

In Canada, Pakistanis are viewed very favourably perhaps because those Pakistanis who come to Canada are educated and talented.



One question I used to get often was "how do you speak such fine English, did you learn it when you got here".... and I'm like "Most kids learn how to speak English in Pakistan if you go to school because it was a British colony"


The average Canadian is not too well versed with the rest of the world.

 

[KingKhanWC]

It depends on what type of Pakistani you are and the type of person making this judgement.

I travel around Europe regulary, European public esp females can get on with people with born in Europe but have Pakistani background but not to easily with freshy's because they dress different, look different, speak different and clearly are not from Europe or in tune with the culture.

As for Indians, I dont mean to be nasty but so many Europeans have said Indians have terrible hygiene. At first I thought this was a horrible racist generalisation but it's a widely held view.

It really doesnt matter anyway, no people should need validity from others. This is slave colonised mentality to even think what other races think of 'my race' etc.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

In all (Western) Europeans countries I have been: they are viewed as hard working people who mind their own business. Generally a good impression and people like Pakistanis here.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

It depends on what type of Pakistani you are and the type of person making this judgement.

I travel around Europe regulary, European public esp females can get on with people with born in Europe but have Pakistani background but not to easily with freshy's because they dress different, look different, speak different and clearly are not from Europe or in tune with the culture.

As for Indians, I dont mean to be nasty but so many Europeans have said Indians have terrible hygiene. At first I thought this was a horrible racist generalisation but it's a widely held view.

It really doesnt matter anyway, no people should need validity from others. This is slave colonised mentality to even think what other races think of 'my race' etc.

I won't say 'bad hygiene" because it is different from person to person but I have noticed Indians (and Pakistanis) smelling like spices

A dodrant costs 2 euros for goodness sake

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

Don't know about America or Europe but in Pakistan peoples think that Pakistani is a superpower nation.

 

[ahsan17]

In the Western Countries, Pakistan has the perception of being a Global hub of Terrorism which is linked to every terrorist attack in the World.

In comparison India is seem as a Third World Country where people take dump on the streets.

Arabs consider the Indians as very intelligent and hard working people.

I think thats the impression Indians want to make of Pakistan. In the real world, Westerners were/are a lot more concerned about ISIS, and they know where ISIS is/was based out of. It's an Indian perpetuated myth that westerners look at Pakistan differently than most muslim countries.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I think thats the impression Indians want to make of Pakistan. In the real world, Westerners were/are a lot more concerned about ISIS, and they know where ISIS is/was based out of. It's an Indian perpetuated myth that westerners look at Pakistan differently than most muslim countries.

Yes the poster is either Indian or only reads the Daily Mail. Most in the UK have now wised up with all this war on terror nonsense. Apart from the likes of the far right underclass who have little to no education, most white Brits are embarrased their nation has been warmongering killing millions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, etc. If there is any negative issue of Pakistani's its some cultural norms such as arranged marriages or 20 years ago when the uncles only used to buy Japanese cars. One white chap asked someone I knew, if it was part of Pakistani religion to only buy Hondas and Toyotas!

 

[ElRaja]

given that Pakistanis in Britain have been the whipping boys of a lot of the mainstream media i think its testament to the level of awareness (in a place like London at least) that being ethnically Pakistani has never been seen as a negative.

have met people from all over and generally when you tell them Pakistan they usually are indifferent, unless they've known any Pakistanis in the past in which case they are usually positive and want to talk about biryani.

the only group that has a slightly negative view of Pakistanis in London are Indians in my experience (and even then its not massive, British Indians tend to stick to ethnically homogeneous social groups* regardless in my experience).

there has been some animosity between sikh and Pakistanis in the past, this was primarily because Muslim boys (Bengali and Pakistani) used to try to pull sikh girls a lot. not sure if this is a still an issue tho. fwiw the few sikhs i have known didn't really care much for non sikh Indians and generally find it easier to socialise with, if not befriend pakistanis compared to non punjabi Indian ethnic groups.

*so a disclaimer on this, it aint just british indians who do this, but in my experience it is more prevalent in certain linguistic griups, i.e. gujratis stick together, sikhs stick toghether, south indian, etc. bengalis and pakistanis do it too, but its a bit less obvious cos a lot of them hang out with non ethnic muslims too, like africans, etc.

 

[ahsan17]

Yes the poster is either Indian or only reads the Daily Mail. Most in the UK have now wised up with all this war on terror nonsense. Apart from the likes of the far right underclass who have little to no education, most white Brits are embarrased their nation has been warmongering killing millions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, etc. If there is any negative issue of Pakistani's its some cultural norms such as arranged marriages or 20 years ago when the uncles only used to buy Japanese cars. One white chap asked someone I knew, if it was part of Pakistani religion to only buy Hondas and Toyotas!

In general, the one-dimensional view of Pakistan that Indians suggest to be common in the west is complete and utter **. Since the advent of ISIS, that view has been shattered spectacularly. When it comes to terror attacks, nearly all the ones in west have been carried out by ISIS in the last 5-7 years. Yet Indians act like we're still living in 2009. The perception of Pakistan is probably negative in general, but it is a lot more complicated and nuanced than the one-dimensional view Indians suggest. Pakistan isn't viewed differently than most Muslim majority countries. The negatively towards Pakistan is more based on other issues that other muslim countries have rather than terrorism. I could go on, but these jingoist bakhts keep perpetuating ** that is full of lies, just like their government.

 

[Technics 1210]

Perception is reality, and perception is based on the media.

I couldn't give 2 hoots about what the perception of Pakistanis is in the world. I have friends who are intelligent enough not to judge/generalise based on the media - who also understand how the media works.

Saying this, Netflix just released a new drama based on the Delhi Bus Gang Rape : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-47663939

So I guess there are bigger perceptions to manage.

 

[Mamoon]

We are viewed exactly how we should be viewed - a backward, third world country that is a safe haven for terrorists and extremists, not to mention the country where the most renowned terrorist in the world Osama was found hiding half a mile away from a military base.

A country where intolerance is strife and human rights are repeatedly violated. A country where the government is subservient to the military who are the supreme rulers and take all the important decisions. More specifically, they dictate our foreign policy.

A country that is in conflict with pretty much all the countries in its region and has made no positive contribution to the world. When it comes to technology, science, academics etc. They have made zero contribution. In fact, the only globally respected scientist that we had the misfortune to produce (Dr. Abdus Salam) has had his legacy erased because his religious beliefs did not comply with the majority.

Unfortunately, the story is different when it comes to how the majority of Pakistanis view Pakistan. We are convinced that we are a country of saints who have never wronged anyone.

We are convinced that we are right but everyone else is wrong. We believe that their is a grand Western/Indian/Zionist conspiracy against us because the world cannot see us fulfil our potential as a superpower that we are destined to become.

Before people inadvertently direct this thread to India and how they are viewed, let me address that as well. It is indeed true that India has not always been viewed favourably - people do recognise it as a third world country with great poverty. Over the last few years, thanks to BJP, India has made a lot of negative press because of communal violence.

However, by and large, India is considered a much, much safer and peaceful country and that is reflected in its booming tourism industry. Unlike Pakistan where most of the tourists are hippies, mountaineers and some random vloggers who cash on the psyche of our people to become Internet celebrities, the tourism in India is more genuine and versatile and does not serve specific niches.

India has also made positive impressions because of their success in IT and the various CEO's in F500 companies. These people are among the most powerful individuals in the world and have the influence to change the perception of how people view their home country and their people. Furthermore, unlike us, they have been able to develop modern industries and conglomerates like Tata and Reliance are globally respected names.

There is a considerable difference between how the two countries are viewed and we should not shy away from acknowledging that distinction.

 

[Syed1]

We are viewed exactly how we should be viewed - a backward, third world country that is a safe haven for terrorists and extremists, not to mention the country where the most renowned terrorist in the world Osama was found hiding half a mile away from a military base.

A country where intolerance is strife and human rights are repeatedly violated. A country where the government is subservient to the military who are the supreme rulers and take all the important decisions. More specifically, they dictate our foreign policy.

A country that is in conflict with pretty much all the countries in its region and has made no positive contribution to the world. When it comes to technology, science, academics etc. They have made zero contribution. In fact, the only globally respected scientist that we had the misfortune to produce (Dr. Abdus Salam) has had his legacy erased because his religious beliefs did not comply with the majority.

Unfortunately, the story is different when it comes to how the majority of Pakistanis view Pakistan. We are convinced that we are a country of saints who have never wronged anyone.

We are convinced that we are right but everyone else is wrong. We believe that their is a grand Western/Indian/Zionist conspiracy against us because the world cannot see us fulfil our potential as a superpower that we are destined to become.

Before people inadvertently direct this thread to India and how they are viewed, let me address that as well. It is indeed true that India has not always been viewed favourably - people do recognise it as a third world country with great poverty. Over the last few years, thanks to BJP, India has made a lot of negative press because of communal violence.

However, by and large, India is considered a much, much safer and peaceful country and that is reflected in its booming tourism industry. Unlike Pakistan where most of the tourists are hippies, mountaineers and some random vloggers who cash on the psyche of our people to become Internet celebrities, the tourism in India is more genuine and versatile and does not serve specific niches.

India has also made positive impressions because of their success in IT and the various CEO's in F500 companies. These people are among the most powerful individuals in the world and have the influence to change the perception of how people view their home country and their people. Furthermore, unlike us, they have been able to develop modern industries and conglomerates like Tata and Reliance are globally respected names.

There is a considerable difference between how the two countries are viewed and we should not shy away from acknowledging that distinction.

How do you how Pakistanis are viewed by the outside world when you barely lived a year outside and even made a thread that you were a social outcast in America and couldn't make a single friend.



So I would suggest you stop running your mouth without knowledge.

 

[slipcatch]

In Canada, Pakistanis are viewed very favourably perhaps because those Pakistanis who come to Canada are educated and talented.



One question I used to get often was "how do you speak such fine English, did you learn it when you got here".... and I'm like "Most kids learn how to speak English in Pakistan if you go to school because it was a British colony"


The average Canadian is not too well versed with the rest of the world.

Find this to be ignorant.

And it shows how little Canadians or Americans knows about Pakistan.

 

[Mamoon]

How do you how Pakistanis are viewed by the outside world when you barely lived a year outside and even made a thread that you were a social outcast in America and couldn't make a single friend.



So I would suggest you stop running your mouth without knowledge.

I have lived three years in the U.S. and I have spent and do spend a lot of time in the UK, where I have a lot of family. Living in Pakistan does not mean that I am oblivious to how the world views our country.

My thread was about the difficulties I faced in adjusting to the American way of life which is very different from the British way of life. I had no trouble socialising and did make a lot of friends, especially a lot of Indians, but I never truly embraced America and never felt at home there.

If I ever have to live outside Pakistan, I would prefer to live in the UK due to various reasons that go beyond the scope of this thread.

 

[Kroll]

We are viewed exactly how we should be viewed - a backward, third world country that is a safe haven for terrorists and extremists, not to mention the country where the most renowned terrorist in the world Osama was found hiding half a mile away from a military base.

A country where intolerance is strife and human rights are repeatedly violated. A country where the government is subservient to the military who are the supreme rulers and take all the important decisions. More specifically, they dictate our foreign policy.

A country that is in conflict with pretty much all the countries in its region and has made no positive contribution to the world. When it comes to technology, science, academics etc. They have made zero contribution. In fact, the only globally respected scientist that we had the misfortune to produce (Dr. Abdus Salam) has had his legacy erased because his religious beliefs did not comply with the majority.

Unfortunately, the story is different when it comes to how the majority of Pakistanis view Pakistan. We are convinced that we are a country of saints who have never wronged anyone.

We are convinced that we are right but everyone else is wrong. We believe that their is a grand Western/Indian/Zionist conspiracy against us because the world cannot see us fulfil our potential as a superpower that we are destined to become.

Before people inadvertently direct this thread to India and how they are viewed, let me address that as well. It is indeed true that India has not always been viewed favourably - people do recognise it as a third world country with great poverty. Over the last few years, thanks to BJP, India has made a lot of negative press because of communal violence.

However, by and large, India is considered a much, much safer and peaceful country and that is reflected in its booming tourism industry. Unlike Pakistan where most of the tourists are hippies, mountaineers and some random vloggers who cash on the psyche of our people to become Internet celebrities, the tourism in India is more genuine and versatile and does not serve specific niches.

India has also made positive impressions because of their success in IT and the various CEO's in F500 companies. These people are among the most powerful individuals in the world and have the influence to change the perception of how people view their home country and their people. Furthermore, unlike us, they have been able to develop modern industries and conglomerates like Tata and Reliance are globally respected names.

There is a considerable difference between how the two countries are viewed and we should not shy away from acknowledging that distinction.

I think the question was more about the people than the country.

 

[JBFire]

How do you how Pakistanis are viewed by the outside world when you barely lived a year outside and even made a thread that you were a social outcast in America and couldn't make a single friend.



So I would suggest you stop running your mouth without knowledge.

And how outsiders sees Pakistanis will change the ground realities that are mentioned on Mamoon's post. You do understand that most of the Pakistanis are coming to foreign countries are rich and highly educated compare to India where most rich and highly educated are staying in India. Now don't show me all the Global CEOs who are Indians. India have vast pool of talent that just small spill will create a ripple on world talent map.

Bottom line is world see and meet with top notch Pakistanis where real Pakistan is at 360..so I will not be surprised if non-Pakistanis have a good feeling about Pakistanis in general but that has nothing to do with the reality of the Country.

Its like putting a fake face mask to create a picture of developing country but in reality Pakistan in current state is behind both Bangladesh and Nepal and if things remain same will have to go for the bankruptcy. And no matter how much paste you or others try to apply, ground reality will not change if something concrete is not be done to address the core real issues.

Having a nice image in front of people who do not give a damn about your country is nothing to brag about.

 

[Mamoon]

I think the question was more about the people than the country.

Individual people are treated no differently than others, and only a racist and a bigot is going judge you for your nationality and background. However, certain stereotypes do arise based on how your country is generally viewed. Nevertheless, there is some truth in every stereotype and we do need to take responsibility for the reputation that Pakistan enjoys in the world.

 

[KingKhanWC]

And how outsiders sees Pakistanis will change the ground realities that are mentioned on Mamoon's post. You do understand that most of the Pakistanis are coming to foreign countries are rich and highly educated compare to India where most rich and highly educated are staying in India. Now don't show me all the Global CEOs who are Indians. India have vast pool of talent that just small spill will create a ripple on world talent map.

Bottom line is world see and meet with top notch Pakistanis where real Pakistan is at 360..so I will not be surprised if non-Pakistanis have a good feeling about Pakistanis in general but that has nothing to do with the reality of the Country.

Its like putting a fake face mask to create a picture of developing country but in reality Pakistan in current state is behind both Bangladesh and Nepal and if things remain same will have to go for the bankruptcy. And no matter how much paste you or others try to apply, ground reality will not change if something concrete is not be done to address the core real issues.

Having a nice image in front of people who do not give a damn about your country is nothing to brag about.

A pretty daft post like Mamoons.

When people visit Pakistan and meet ordinary Pakistani's they are very impressed by the people and culture.

Only uneducated idiots see Pakistanis or Pakistan in negative ways.

 

[Pakistanian]

In America people think we're middle eastern and speak Arabic, they confuse Pakistan with Palestine quite often other than that people don't know much about other nations over here. That said a lot of people do think we're either doctors or engineers here and they tend to assume my major when I tell them what my ethnicity is.

 

[JBFire]

A pretty daft post like Mamoons.

When people visit Pakistan and meet ordinary Pakistani's they are very impressed by the people and culture.

Only uneducated idiots see Pakistanis or Pakistan in negative ways.

I think your response is a perfect example of how priorities are misplaced. Unless you think out of selfness, you will not understand that bankrupt countries around the world have full of nice people.

Again, does it help to change the current condition of Pakistan as a nation? This is where you need to focus on how I can improve my country instead of bragging about other things which is irrelevant if your country files for the bankruptcy.

And if all Pakistanis who are settle outside Pakistan and who do not see that their country is facing a extreme financial stress and doing really poor on so many measures across the board then it is you who do not know the reality of your own country.

When you PM ask all the Pakistanis across the world to fund the water dam then it is understood how bad the ground conditions are. Like I said you can put a fake mask and brag around the world, that will not change anything.

Its up to you to decide.

 

[slipcatch]

People from majority of the countries view Americans as ignorant, intolerable, obnoxious and some of the worse people in the world.

America happen to be dominate world's economy, technology, Health, Scientific development, research, etc.

OP asked, how Pakistani's are viewed not how is Pakistan as a country is viewed around the world.

 

[slipcatch]

People from majority of the countries view Americans as ignorant, intolerable, obnoxious and some of the worse people in the world.

America happen to be dominate world's economy, technology, Health, Scientific development, research, etc.

OP asked, how Pakistani's are viewed not how is Pakistan as a country is viewed around the world.

But as usual, the wrist slitter, the anti-progressive, the self righteous, the pretending to know more than the rest of the Pakistan because they have read two more books, the un-happy Pakistani because Pakistan rank higher than the rest of its neighbors on being happy ranking, would not miss an opportunity to bash Pakistan.

 

[JBFire]

If I have to say about Pakistanis then I have quite a few friends who are from Pakistan and we have an amazing bonding and treat each other like brothers.

Never discussed a single time or had any hint of hate towards each other during recent Ind-Pak conflict.

But in my experience of 20 years living in North America. Most of the people take Pakistanis as an Indian unless the person tell them. So there is nothing much to see as far as visual perception goes and like I mentioned in my earlier post, most Pakistanis are highly educated so there also nothing much to see between both countries.

In reality both wants their separate identity but for outsiders we are same people! I know lot of people wont like it but that's what it is..

 

[rockyboy2018]

I have been here in Germany for 1.5 years now. Germans think of South Asians as poor and Gharib people who could not afford to buy decent stuff. That's how they treat us sometimes- the irony is when they actually see my bank balance they act like street dogs openly. German girls start kissing my a s s openly. That's the power of money in front of western people. They no longer have self respect. Take away lesson is, people are people everywhere.

I always travel through Pakistan on my Pakistani passport immigration officers at Pakistani airports treat me miserably and as a criminal. However, when I show my German reisdent permit they treat me with respect and call me "Sir."

Take away lesson is, Pakistanis do not treat each other with respect and do not give respect to their own passport so what can you expect from other countries.

After interacting with different nationalities/students from other parts of the world during my studies in Germany. Sure, Pakistanis are not perfect people but when you compare other nationalities with Pakistanis they come across "saints". They actually do help in their small capacity . They still have 1% insayniat left in them, other nationalities well - self centered, selfish, opportunist, money hungry!!!

Take away lesson is, people are people everywhere. In the end, might is right, otherwise we all cut from the same craapppp! It is all about opportunity........ developed countries comit crimes it is for saving the humanity when Pakistanis do they are terrorists.....

 

[ManFan]

There are only two categories for any race of people, successful and unsuccessful.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I think your response is a perfect example of how priorities are misplaced. Unless you think out of selfness, you will not understand that bankrupt countries around the world have full of nice people.

Again, does it help to change the current condition of Pakistan as a nation? This is where you need to focus on how I can improve my country instead of bragging about other things which is irrelevant if your country files for the bankruptcy.

And if all Pakistanis who are settle outside Pakistan and who do not see that their country is facing a extreme financial stress and doing really poor on so many measures across the board then it is you who do not know the reality of your own country.

When you PM ask all the Pakistanis across the world to fund the water dam then it is understood how bad the ground conditions are. Like I said you can put a fake mask and brag around the world, that will not change anything.

Its up to you to decide.

It would help if you read the title of the thread. It's how Pakistanis are seen not how Pakistan is seen.

 

[Technics 1210]

I have lived three years in the U.S. and I have spent and do spend a lot of time in the UK, where I have a lot of family. Living in Pakistan does not mean that I am oblivious to how the world views our country.

My thread was about the difficulties I faced in adjusting to the American way of life which is very different from the British way of life. I had no trouble socialising and did make a lot of friends, especially a lot of Indians, but I never truly embraced America and never felt at home there.

If I ever have to live outside Pakistan, I would prefer to live in the UK due to various reasons that go beyond the scope of this thread.

I don't get it. You have lived abroad yet despite your vitriol towards Pakistan and Islam, you decide to live in Pakistan - saving lives as a doctor.

Something doesn't add up.

 

[nextover666666]

I live In Montreal and it really depends but in most cases it's negative funny thing is some times when people meet me I am a very calm and laid back person and most people assume I'm Christian or Indian or even non desi and when I ask why they say your very laid back person I guess they view Pakistanis as not laid back

From French Canadian people I have met they tend to be negative because most Pakistani are Muslims and they tend to not like Muslims and thing their terrorist the ones that really don't know about Pakistan even think we're Arabs ( again they don't like Arabs) lol

The black Haitian tend to think we're strict and racist and beat are women lol

The Indians and Sri Lankans to tend to get a long since we're all desi although u do have cases were thier is hatred

The Arabs it's mixed bag some will be very happy and Interested while other will be mean and racist and even make fun ( this is mainly people from Morocco Algeria and Lebanon) a lot sometime get suprised when they find out we can pray in arabic ( like how stupid can you be)

I notice we tend to get a lot of love from Turkish Persian and even Filipino people that live here which is good to see


Italians and Greeks a mixed bag as well a lot of negative mainly from older people but positives as well in fact a lot of my friends are Greeks and they agreed that are culture and even mentality is very similar

Again this is based on my experience

In summary even though there is quiet a bit of negative , a lot of them don't know much or even anything about Pakistan when they get to learn and see our culture they do tend to have some apperciation

 

[saeedhk]

Very negatively. It is due to their high involvement in crime in their host countries and also because of being from a country called Pakistan.

Pakistan is seem as being synonymous with terrorism, violence, poor human rights and poverty.

 

[sjahmed23]

Many people view Pakistan as a fighter who is not afraid to take on a nation 6x its size and embarass them. Pakistan is like David fighting Goliath.

Though Indians are making a big name for themselves by becoming IRS agents.

 

[Rana]

Mixed views. Western Women have different views to Pakistani men as compared to guys. There are so many dynamics at play here. Very hard to give one specific answer.

British Pakistanis have come a long way since the 90s where they were often ignored, not included.

 

[Rana]

Very negatively. It is due to their high involvement in crime in their host countries and also because of being from a country called Pakistan.

Pakistan is seem as being synonymous with terrorism, violence, poor human rights and poverty.

Where do you live? A confident, well educated Pakistani man is often seen as an asset to the company, society he belongs to. There isn’t clear cut negative connotations attributed to Pakistan

 

[gazza619]

I wish Pakistan/UK hadnt allowed thousands of Pakistanis (mirpuris) to immigrate to UK a few decades ago. This is not a dig at mirpuris by the way. They are a lovely friendly community and their current generation is highly educated and have successful businesses in the UK.

The problem was that the people who immigrated were mostly illiterate. They were the ones who gave a negative impression of Pakistani people in the UK, and sadly thats how some people still perceive Pakistanis as.

 

[ManFan]

I wish Pakistan/UK hadnt allowed thousands of Pakistanis (mirpuris) to immigrate to UK a few decades ago. This is not a dig at mirpuris by the way. They are a lovely friendly community and their current generation is highly educated and have successful businesses in the UK.

The problem was that the people who immigrated were mostly illiterate. They were the ones who gave a negative impression of Pakistani people in the UK, and sadly thats how some people still perceive Pakistanis as.

So the ill-conceived perception outweighs all their positive contributions?

 

[Rana]

This is probably irrelevant, but Pakistani uncles who are Taxi Driver’s are actually very nice guys. Read Hanif Kureishi’s ‘My son the fanatic’. I Remember one of my lecturers at Uni explaining the point through the short story that western women, especially white women find migrant Pakistani men to be very charming. This work of Kureishi was a real eye opener

 

[ManFan]

This is probably irrelevant, but Pakistani uncles who are Taxi Driver’s are actually very nice guys. Read Hanif Kureishi’s ‘My son the fanatic’. I Remember one of my lecturers at Uni explaining the point through the short story that western women, especially white women find migrant Pakistani men to be very charming. This work of Kureishi was a real eye opener

Being a cab driver is one of the highest paying jobs on average in the US.

And Pakistani men are not ranked third-most handsome in the world for nothing...

 

[gazza619]

So the ill-conceived perception outweighs all their positive contributions?

I am not sure to be perfectly honest. I guess it depends on your circle of friends/colleagues. For example of you dont really get to know any Pakistani people then may be you are bound by the ill-conceived perceptions?

 

[ManFan]

I am not sure to be perfectly honest. I guess it depends on your circle of friends/colleagues. For example of you dont really get to know any Pakistani people then may be you are bound by the ill-conceived perceptions?

Any group’s effects are not measured by personal sentiment but by statistics.

 

[gazza619]

Any group’s effects are not measured by personal sentiment but by statistics.

True but we haven't really done a survey on this rather racist topic so we will never really get a statistic.

What we have is perceptions.

 

[Chrish]

And how outsiders sees Pakistanis will change the ground realities that are mentioned on Mamoon's post. You do understand that most of the Pakistanis are coming to foreign countries are rich and highly educated compare to India where most rich and highly educated are staying in India. Now don't show me all the Global CEOs who are Indians. India have vast pool of talent that just small spill will create a ripple on world talent map.

Bottom line is world see and meet with top notch Pakistanis where real Pakistan is at 360..so I will not be surprised if non-Pakistanis have a good feeling about Pakistanis in general but that has nothing to do with the reality of the Country.

Its like putting a fake face mask to create a picture of developing country but in reality Pakistan in current state is behind both Bangladesh and Nepal and if things remain same will have to go for the bankruptcy. And no matter how much paste you or others try to apply, ground reality will not change if something concrete is not be done to address the core real issues.

Having a nice image in front of people who do not give a damn about your country is nothing to brag about.

Every Asian tries to immigrate to West as soon as they can get their hands on that Visa; unless you are a billionaire.

 

[Chrish]

Pakistanis don't seem to have their independent identity here in US. Either they are considered "Muslim" if they are dressed that way or Indian/ Arab..

 

[PakLFC]

Poor reputation in the UK and Europe. In the USA and Canada the reputation of Pak people is much better.

 

[humzy]

Not many Pakistanis in Australia, generally known through either cricket or terrorism of the last decade.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Not favourably at all. They will elope with your woman who for inexplicable reason fall for bad guys. Indians have a great image and you can be rest assured that your lady will not elope with an indian.

 

[GBK_Fan]

I have worked in finance/ib across the globe and this area is underrepresented by Muslims in general, let alone Pakistanis (and no it’s not down to bias, but the lack of numbers in advanced degrees). From what I see for people clued into geopolitics, Pakistan has managed to create a bad name for itself. This has a rub off in varying degrees to how people perceive Pakistanis.
In HK, Pakistanis are involved in petty crimes and I was given this as something to watch out for by my native relocation guide when I landed there.
In NY, there is a negative perception around Pakistan. However there is no negative perception about the local Pakistani population living there.
In London, there is a clear negative perception around Pakistanis living in certain pockets of the city eg east London or outside like Birmingham, as they are seen high in crime. The grooming and terrorism scandals don’t help with the image either.
Amongst nationalities, I have seen Arabs tend to differentiate more between India and Pakistan. Most Iranians and Turks I have met, have a clear distinction played out.

 

[Stewie]

It depends on who you ask in the US. Most rural areas in the US, particularly the NE, Midwest and Great Lakes area, Pakistanis are mainly doctors and healthcare professionals. So they are known for being rich and educated.

In the bigger cities, they are known for being business owners with a reputation for being penny pinchers at times.

Overall, we have a reputation for being hard workers and financially better off than average Americans.

 

[Akki malhotra]

Every Asian tries to immigrate to West as soon as they can get their hands on that Visa; unless you are a billionaire.

Not true.

 

[Stewie]

I have worked in finance/ib across the globe and this area is underrepresented by Muslims in general, let alone Pakistanis (and no it’s not down to bias, but the lack of numbers in advanced degrees). From what I see for people clued into geopolitics, Pakistan has managed to create a bad name for itself. This has a rub off in varying degrees to how people perceive Pakistanis.
In HK, Pakistanis are involved in petty crimes and I was given this as something to watch out for by my native relocation guide when I landed there.
In NY, there is a negative perception around Pakistan. However there is no negative perception about the local Pakistani population living there.
In London, there is a clear negative perception around Pakistanis living in certain pockets of the city eg east London or outside like Birmingham, as they are seen high in crime. The grooming and terrorism scandals don’t help with the image either.
Amongst nationalities, I have seen Arabs tend to differentiate more between India and Pakistan. Most Iranians and Turks I have met, have a clear distinction played out.

That’s sad to hear. Completely different from the US. I guess US is different because early pakistani immigrants to US were doctors and engineers. So here we are mostly known for being educated and this seems like in contrast to our perception in England and other countries.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Not favourably at all. They will elope with your woman who for inexplicable reason fall for bad guys. Indians have a great image and you can be rest assured that your lady will not elope with an indian.

It's something to do with our giant planet sized noses; they have a gravity of their own that's very hard to resist


No one really cares where you are from while you are doing an okay job. When you do something terrible it straight up goes back to the religion and the country because the media needs monsters to manage perceptions.

General people just want to have a good time and are too bound by their finances or other stuff to have a global view. If anything no one even knows about Pakistan much or the country or where it is on the map who doesn't watch cricket which is basically most of Europe. Our global footprint is almost non-existent and when it exists, it's linked to terrorism and wars and all things terrible.

 

[GBK_Fan]

That’s sad to hear. Completely different from the US. I guess US is different because early pakistani immigrants to US were doctors and engineers. So here we are mostly known for being educated and this seems like in contrast to our perception in England and other countries.

+1

I have seen second gen Pakistani and Bangladeshi kids struggle with English. Hard to believe why someone born and brought up here will use Urdu to express himself more clearly when we have young Pakistani immigrants speaking it fluently.

 

[PakPremi]

I lived most of my life in a London and I have never faced any discrimination or felt indifferent behaviour from anyone because I am Pakistani, apart from the 1979 to 1980 era when National Front were roaming around roads. I have educated in English universities and worked on companies with multi nationals and have never heard a negative remark from anyone about Pakistan. In fact some that have visited Pakistan spoke about how great hospital people the Pakistanis were, and tasty food with lots of variety.
Pakistanis should not care much about western views on Pakistan or even the modern Indians as we pride ourselves with our great morals given to us by our religion and culture, this is in clash with theirs as they associate with those who enjoy drinking and clubbing. They have no time for worship or even extended families. Pakistani culture is great and we should continue with our merry ways, but of course need personal development to progress in the world.

 

[Mamoon]

I don't get it. You have lived abroad yet despite your vitriol towards Pakistan and Islam, you decide to live in Pakistan - saving lives as a doctor.

Something doesn't add up.

My vitriol towards Pakistan is directed at its foreign policy and the stronghold of the military on the government. I want people to recognise our mistakes and overcome the "we are right and everyone else is wrong" mentality. I want people to overcome their collective denial and not sweep everything as Western or Indian conspiracy. That is the only way we can progress towards a better and brighter future.

Furthermore, I believe that every person has a duty towards his/her country. They are like your parents - if you put aside the natural love that you have for them, you may not necessarily think they are good people or agree with everything they do. However, they are still your responsibility and you cannot desert them.

My decision to live in Pakistan is broadly based on two sentiments: firstly, I was educated in a public med school, which means that I had to pay very little for my degree which was funded by the government. The government did not spend on my eduction so that I could settle in the West and do my practice there. That is simply a waste of resource. As a result, they have imposed a duty on me to provide my services in Pakistan.

Even if I change my career which I intend to do, I would still be providing my services in Pakistan and working for the government, so I would still be paying back my debt. I also have family reasons for staying in Pakistan. My parents are now at an age where they need to be looked after, and for them to move out of Pakistan at this stage of their lives would be much, much harder than it is for me to continue living in the country.

 

[Technics 1210]

My vitriol towards Pakistan is directed at its foreign policy and the stronghold of the military on the government. I want people to recognise our mistakes and overcome the "we are right and everyone else is wrong" mentality. I want people to overcome their collective denial and not sweep everything as Western or Indian conspiracy. That is the only way we can progress towards a better and brighter future.

Furthermore, I believe that every person has a duty towards his/her country. They are like your parents - if you put aside the natural love that you have for them, you may not necessarily think they are good people or agree with everything they do. However, they are still your responsibility and you cannot desert them.

My decision to live in Pakistan is broadly based on two sentiments: firstly, I was educated in a public med school, which means that I had to pay very little for my degree which was funded by the government. The government did not spend on my eduction so that I could settle in the West and do my practice there. That is simply a waste of resource. As a result, they have imposed a duty on me to provide my services in Pakistan.

Even if I change my career which I intend to do, I would still be providing my services in Pakistan and working for the government, so I would still be paying back my debt. I also have family reasons for staying in Pakistan. My parents are now at an age where they need to be looked after, and for them to move out of Pakistan at this stage of their lives would be much, much harder than it is for me to continue living in the country.

Every nation has its faults, yet criticizing foreign policy and the government in one thing, but from what I have read, you criticize every aspect of Pakistan; from politics, to sport, to the economy, to Islam, to the people - and then do the typical Pakistani thing which is to compare with other nations, in particular India.

I cannot recall a single positive thing you have said about Pakistan, not even encouragement. In fact, even when Pakistan defended itself from India by shooting down an IAF jet and returning the pilot, you were still criticizing Pakistan!

I was going to ask you what you are doing for the betterment of Pakistan, but it is clear to me that you are vexed at Pakistan because you feel Pakistan is holding you back thus delaying your ambitions.

Oh well, I guess that's the beauty of the Internet, 100% anonymity.

 

[hussain.r97]

In New Zealand, people who have never met Pakistanis usually don't really have any opinion, unless they are cricket fans, in which case they have a positive view of Pakistan. People who have met Pakistanis have a positive opinion because the Pakistanis settled here are generally from highly educated backgrounds, and have assimilited into society well enough.

 

[Mamoon]

Every nation has its faults, yet criticizing foreign policy and the government in one thing, but from what I have read, you criticize every aspect of Pakistan; from politics, to sport, to the economy, to Islam, to the people - and then do the typical Pakistani thing which is to compare with other nations, in particular India.

I cannot recall a single positive thing you have said about Pakistan, not even encouragement. In fact, even when Pakistan defended itself from India by shooting down an IAF jet and returning the pilot, you were still criticizing Pakistan!

I was going to ask you what you are doing for the betterment of Pakistan, but it is clear to me that you are vexed at Pakistan because you feel Pakistan is holding you back thus delaying your ambitions.

Oh well, I guess that's the beauty of the Internet, 100% anonymity.

Yes, every nation has its faults, but Pakistan seems to have many too faults and are least interested in taking ownership of those faults. Anyone who tries to show us the mirror is either an enemy of the state (if he is a foreigner) or a traitor (if he is a Pakistani). That is why we have made little to no progress in addressing those faults.

I haven't said anything positive about Pakistan because I don't see anything positive yet. Our people fail to look at the bigger picture and refuse to address the real problems that have hampered the progress of this country. As a nation, we get excited very easily. PTI won the election, and we do bhangra without realising that nothing has changed on the political front and the military continues to run the show.

We shoot down two IAF jets and we do bhangra without realising that there will never be any peace and stability in this country as long as our military sponsors terrorism to maintain its supremacy, and our civilian government does not have the power to defy them.

I will say something positive about Pakistan the day our military becomes subservient to our government and we stop funding terrorists and militants. That is the day we will take our first step towards a better and brighter future.

 

[PakPremi]

Yes, every nation has its faults, but Pakistan seems to have many too faults and are least interested in taking ownership of those faults. Anyone who tries to show us the mirror is either an enemy of the state (if he is a foreigner) or a traitor (if he is a Pakistani). That is why we have made little to no progress in addressing those faults.

I haven't said anything positive about Pakistan because I don't see anything positive yet. Our people fail to look at the bigger picture and refuse to address the real problems that have hampered the progress of this country. As a nation, we get excited very easily. PTI won the election, and we do bhangra without realising that nothing has changed on the political front and the military continues to run the show.

We shoot down two IAF jets and we do bhangra without realising that there will never be any peace and stability in this country as long as our military sponsors terrorism to maintain its supremacy, and our civilian government does not have the power to defy them.

I will say something positive about Pakistan the day our military becomes subservient to our government and we stop funding terrorists and militants. That is the day we will take our first step towards a better and brighter future.

The day Pakistan stop fighting the Kashmir struggle for freedom is the day I as a Kashmiri will stop supporting Pakistan cricket team. Why should Pakistan leave their brothers at mercy of state terrorism. Look what is happening to Muslims in India, are they also responsible for terrorism?
How about you also ask for India and Afghanistan to stop terrorism in Pakistan as well.
As far as PTI is concerned they have performed even better than expected and are sticking to their guns to rid Pakistan of corruptions. This cannot be fully achieved in few years but decades, atleast we are heading the right path. We should be proud of Pak Army ; a vulnerable and poor country like Pakistan needs strong army for security and protection of its borders.

 

[Stewie]

Yes, every nation has its faults, but Pakistan seems to have many too faults and are least interested in taking ownership of those faults. Anyone who tries to show us the mirror is either an enemy of the state (if he is a foreigner) or a traitor (if he is a Pakistani). That is why we have made little to no progress in addressing those faults.

I haven't said anything positive about Pakistan because I don't see anything positive yet. Our people fail to look at the bigger picture and refuse to address the real problems that have hampered the progress of this country. As a nation, we get excited very easily. PTI won the election, and we do bhangra without realising that nothing has changed on the political front and the military continues to run the show.

We shoot down two IAF jets and we do bhangra without realising that there will never be any peace and stability in this country as long as our military sponsors terrorism to maintain its supremacy, and our civilian government does not have the power to defy them.

I will say something positive about Pakistan the day our military becomes subservient to our government and we stop funding terrorists and militants. That is the day we will take our first step towards a better and brighter future.

Your issues with Pakistan are personal, my friend. Whether you admit it or not.
Its not like you are the only one with a eyes or brain who sees and understands the problems. We all do, but we don’t throw Pakistan and Pakistanis under the bus at every and any opportunity like you do. I personally don’t know you but I have seen enough posts from you (like others) to form an opinion which seems pretty common now.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

In the UK it's a mixture of resentment and admiration. There is definite resentment that Pakistanis doggedly refuse to integrate fully with the local culture, but at the same time the Brits kind of respect that resoluteness which they recognise in their own 'stiff upper lip' attitude.

 

[slipcatch]

Yes, every nation has its faults, but Pakistan seems to have many too faults and are least interested in taking ownership of those faults. Anyone who tries to show us the mirror is either an enemy of the state (if he is a foreigner) or a traitor (if he is a Pakistani). That is why we have made little to no progress in addressing those faults.

I haven't said anything positive about Pakistan because I don't see anything positive yet. Our people fail to look at the bigger picture and refuse to address the real problems that have hampered the progress of this country. As a nation, we get excited very easily. PTI won the election, and we do bhangra without realising that nothing has changed on the political front and the military continues to run the show.

We shoot down two IAF jets and we do bhangra without realising that there will never be any peace and stability in this country as long as our military sponsors terrorism to maintain its supremacy, and our civilian government does not have the power to defy them.

I will say something positive about Pakistan the day our military becomes subservient to our government and we stop funding terrorists and militants. That is the day we will take our first step towards a better and brighter future.

Stop reading after first two lines of the first paragraph.

Which Pakistani on this forum has refused to point the fault and failure of Pakistan.

Let’s drag them by the name.

And settle this once for all

 

[PakPremi]

In the UK it's a mixture of resentment and admiration. There is definite resentment that Pakistanis doggedly refuse to integrate fully with the local culture, but at the same time the Brits kind of respect that resoluteness which they recognise in their own 'stiff upper lip' attitude.

Should we really care about their opinion. Integration means adopting western lifestyle and moving away from our religion. Most Pakistanis inSnglans are very hard working and loyal to their families, and do not commit much crime other than perhaps benefit fraud, then many local do so as well

 

[PakPremi]

Your issues with Pakistan are personal, my friend. Whether you admit it or not.
Its not like you are the only one with a eyes or brain who sees and understands the problems. We all do, but we don’t throw Pakistan and Pakistanis under the bus at every and any opportunity like you do. I personally don’t know you but I have seen enough posts from you (like others) to form an opinion which seems pretty common now.

This seems true even though I really hope Mamoon comes out of this blind hatred

 

[topspin]

I wish Pakistan/UK hadnt allowed thousands of Pakistanis (mirpuris) to immigrate to UK a few decades ago. This is not a dig at mirpuris by the way. They are a lovely friendly community and their current generation is highly educated and have successful businesses in the UK.

The problem was that the people who immigrated were mostly illiterate. They were the ones who gave a negative impression of Pakistani people in the UK, and sadly thats how some people still perceive Pakistanis as.

This is sadly the truth. Some weeks ago I was blasted for saying the same thing but the truth is certain individuals from their community have given Pakistan a bad name.

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

And how outsiders sees Pakistanis will change the ground realities that are mentioned on Mamoon's post. You do understand that most of the Pakistanis are coming to foreign countries are rich and highly educated compare to India where most rich and highly educated are staying in India. Now don't show me all the Global CEOs who are Indians. India have vast pool of talent that just small spill will create a ripple on world talent map.

Bottom line is world see and meet with top notch Pakistanis where real Pakistan is at 360..so I will not be surprised if non-Pakistanis have a good feeling about Pakistanis in general but that has nothing to do with the reality of the Country.

Its like putting a fake face mask to create a picture of developing country but in reality Pakistan in current state is behind both Bangladesh and Nepal and if things remain same will have to go for the bankruptcy. And no matter how much paste you or others try to apply, ground reality will not change if something concrete is not be done to address the core real issues.

Having a nice image in front of people who do not give a damn about your country is nothing to brag about.

Bhai this thread is not ind vs Pakistan so plz don't spew these parrot phrases in this thread.

 

[PakPremi]

This is sadly the truth. Some weeks ago I was blasted for saying the same thing but the truth is certain individuals from their community have given Pakistan a bad name.

On the contrary they have given Pakistanis a very good name with their hard work and family values. Most successful Pakistanis in UK are from AJK. The ony bad name was due to Terrorism related issues and majority of those responsible were not mirpuris. As for sex grooming cases these are just few sick opportunist people mostly born and bred in this highly civilised country. It has nothing to do with the parents values from back home.

 

[jaf348]

I spent a couple of years in the 90s growing up in Malaysia. For some reason the locals lumped Pakistanis (and pretty much everyone else from the subcontinent) as Bengalis.

 

[Stewie]

In the UK it's a mixture of resentment and admiration. There is definite resentment that Pakistanis doggedly refuse to integrate fully with the local culture, but at the same time the Brits kind of respect that resoluteness which they recognise in their own 'stiff upper lip' attitude.

More I read comments from UK people here, more I am starting to understand the difference in dynamics of US paks vs UK ones.

For one the word spelt pee a kay eye is not an insukt because we use it for each other’s and our American friends for us all the time. There is no negative connotation in being associated with Pakistan because overall we have a good rep here due to educated class or business class (financially well off) migrating here.
Cultural integration is a concept that seems inapplicable to us here (at least to me). US is a hodgepodge of cultures and there is no as such native culture here, if there was one it was killed off a long time ago by the Europeans. So the basic tenet is you value and respect foreign cultures. We have huge mosques, Pakistan day and ID celebrations, basant, eids etc and nobody complains about it as long as we don’t interfere with others.. and we don’t.

Now lately you see all this talk of integration because we bring “sharia” and all that nonsense but it’s considered very controversial, so nobody openly questions me or my ilk about it

Cultural integration is so abstract. I will go to games with my American friends and lunches at work and will have them over for BBQ, but I don’t drink alcohol so what does that mean? I am not integrated culturally?

You will get ten different answers if you ask ten different people. Bottom line is: don’t mess with or interfere with others and they won’t interfere with you. Obey and respect the laws of the land and treat others the way you expect to be treated. That to me is a sort of universal decree of cultural integration and one that most US Pakistanis follow.

 

[topspin]

I have lived three years in the U.S. and I have spent and do spend a lot of time in the UK, where I have a lot of family. Living in Pakistan does not mean that I am oblivious to how the world views our country.

My thread was about the difficulties I faced in adjusting to the American way of life which is very different from the British way of life. I had no trouble socialising and did make a lot of friends, especially a lot of Indians, but I never truly embraced America and never felt at home there.

If I ever have to live outside Pakistan, I would prefer to live in the UK due to various reasons that go beyond the scope of this thread.

Whereabouts in US were you based? I went to Miami last summer and my experiences were nothing but positive.

Some of the states in US (especially some of the Southern ones) do have the red neck reputation associated with them. Harsh reality is they're perceived to be quite intolerant of anyone who isn't white.

 

[Stewie]

Whereabouts in US were you based? I went to Miami last summer and my experiences were nothing but positive.

Some of the states in US (especially some of the Southern ones) do have the red neck reputation associated with them. Harsh reality is they're perceived to be quite intolerant of anyone who isn't white.

Right now, most smaller cities are intolerant due to white majority and the Trump effect. Metro areas are different due to their diverse populations, doesn’t matter whether its NYC, LA, Houston or Chicago.

Its the small town USA where most of us will have potentially problematic experiences.

The key really is who you deal with. Universities are generally a safe and tolerant space. If you hold a low or mediocre job with a boss and colleagues who are not college educated, yes you will have a terrible experience. If you work in a professional capacity and have a college educated environment, they tend to be trained in sensitivity and can manage to not show their bias or racism if they indeed have such sentiments. So you may not experience it but it may exist deep down somewhere.

 

[a_tahir]

This is sadly the truth. Some weeks ago I was blasted for saying the same thing but the truth is certain individuals from their community have given Pakistan a bad name.

Please specify. Bad image by being freshies

 

[Pakistanian]

Not favourably at all. They will elope with your woman who for inexplicable reason fall for bad guys. Indians have a great image and you can be rest assured that your lady will not elope with an indian.

true, we're well endowed.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

More I read comments from UK people here, more I am starting to understand the difference in dynamics of US paks vs UK ones.

For one the word spelt pee a kay eye is not an insukt because we use it for each other’s and our American friends for us all the time. There is no negative connotation in being associated with Pakistan because overall we have a good rep here due to educated class or business class (financially well off) migrating here.
Cultural integration is a concept that seems inapplicable to us here (at least to me). US is a hodgepodge of cultures and there is no as such native culture here, if there was one it was killed off a long time ago by the Europeans. So the basic tenet is you value and respect foreign cultures. We have huge mosques, Pakistan day and ID celebrations, basant, eids etc and nobody complains about it as long as we don’t interfere with others.. and we don’t.

Now lately you see all this talk of integration because we bring “sharia” and all that nonsense but it’s considered very controversial, so nobody openly questions me or my ilk about it

Cultural integration is so abstract. I will go to games with my American friends and lunches at work and will have them over for BBQ, but I don’t drink alcohol so what does that mean? I am not integrated culturally?

You will get ten different answers if you ask ten different people. Bottom line is: don’t mess with or interfere with others and they won’t interfere with you. Obey and respect the laws of the land and treat others the way you expect to be treated. That to me is a sort of universal decree of cultural integration and one that most US Pakistanis follow.

Britain is far more integrated than the US, here we tend to have communities co-mingling more, seems like in the US they are used to having lots of different ethnics living in their own world. Perhaps with the US being a nation of immigrants, there is more acceptance of huge mosques or temples, with Britain being the origin country, and far smaller, the locals are more sensitive to huge changes to their landscape.

 

[Pak Warrior]

Honestly who cares how we are viewed, we know we are good people. Most of us have normal life and same problems with job, family, and house and food like everyone in the world. I think if people knew us more then any negative thinking about us will turn around and people will see us in more positive light.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I come from Punjab. Over there people are indifferent and have a lot of sympathy with Pakistanis despite the bloodshed during partition. People have moved on. They want to remain in peace and prosper. Punjab continues to remain patriotic and sends a lot of people to armed forces but our people do not blindly hate. It's not in our blood.

When i came to Delhi though i realized a huge difference in people's perception of muslims and Pakistanis. These people from poor places like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP, Chhatisgarh etc hate muslims with passion, even Indian.

 

[Stewie]

Honestly who cares how we are viewed, we know we are good people. Most of us have normal life and same problems with job, family, and house and food like everyone in the world. I think if people knew us more then any negative thinking about us will turn around and people will see us in more positive light.

That’s what I was trying to say as well. Cultural integration sounds like a fascist idea. Societies should be open to accepting new flavors and colors as long as the lead of the land are not violated. Educated people from be it pakistan or any other country usually are peaceloving and end up becoming valuable members of society no matter where they live. Just don’t shove your ideas and values where they are not welcome, but doesn’t mean you should be forced to adapt as well.

 

[WC-Passion]

In the UK it's a mixture of resentment and admiration. There is definite resentment that Pakistanis doggedly refuse to integrate fully with the local culture, but at the same time the Brits kind of respect that resoluteness which they recognise in their own 'stiff upper lip' attitude.

Agreed, a lot of them are fascinated by Pakistani culture and how Pakistanis integrate it while living in the UK, but there's usually quite a lot of resentment based on the fact that we won't do general social stuff that they love because we see it as culturally and religiously unacceptable.

I have lived three years in the U.S. and I have spent and do spend a lot of time in the UK, where I have a lot of family. Living in Pakistan does not mean that I am oblivious to how the world views our country.

My thread was about the difficulties I faced in adjusting to the American way of life which is very different from the British way of life. I had no trouble socialising and did make a lot of friends, especially a lot of Indians, but I never truly embraced America and never felt at home there.

If I ever have to live outside Pakistan, I would prefer to live in the UK due to various reasons that go beyond the scope of this thread.

Probably off-topic, but why is that? I'm curious as someone who was born in England and lived in the UK my whole life as I would consider living in the US if the political climate gets better there. I have to pay a ton of money for medical school so I won't feel guilty for moving out like you would