Overseas Pakistanis - what are the pros and cons of living abroad?

[Leo23]

discuss

 

[Pakistanian]

I've lived my whole life here so I wouldn't say there are any cons.

 

[Third_Umpire]

Depends on where overseas you are, but:

Pros - access to a more "functional" society where law/order, education, water/gas/electric, etc works. Society is usually much more meritocratic, open, fair, so you are much more in control of your destiny as long as you put in the work. You meet people from all over the world, so your perspective is much more global.

Cons - living away from the motherland is hard emotionally, and you never truly feel at home... there's no other place in the world barring maybe New York City that can match the vibrancy and thrill of life in Pakistan (at least Khi, Lahore, etc). Life overseas is much more subdued and bland, which is fine much of the time, but those who have tasted life in Pakistan will always crave it.

 

[90MPH]

The only con could be integrating to the western way of life. It also depends which area or city you live, and there will be barriers like racism.

Otherwise there are many benefits, especially if you have a decent education or are prepared to work very hard.
It's also very beneficial to start a business especially in the UK where the rewards can be great if you become successful.

In the end it's down to you. I will say though it's not for everyone.

 

[Leo23]

I've lived my whole life here so I wouldn't say there are any cons.

my question is mainly aimed that people who migrated to the west after spending a decent amount of time in pakistan

for example i moved to america in 2009 and spending my childhood and teen years in pakistan

i want to look into the experiences of others and want to compare their pros and cons to mine

 

[Leo23]

The only con could be integrating to the western way of life. It also depends which area or city you live, and there will be barriers like racism.

Otherwise there are many benefits, especially if you have a decent education or are prepared to work very hard.
It's also very beneficial to start a business especially in the UK where the rewards can be great if you become successful.

In the end it's down to you. I will say though it's not for everyone.

how challenging is to ensure that your kids (if you have any) uphold pakistani cultural,religious,family values etc and are not completely westernized

 

[Syed1]

Biggest pro: if you are good and work hard you will inevitably progress in your career. In Pakistan you can work your back side off but some loser wil be promoted over you because he had connections.

 

[Abdul]

Just being away from Pakistan is a blessing!

 

[Slog]

Just being away from Pakistan is a blessing!

you can thank your Nawaz Sharifs for giving you such a feeling

Hilarious that you are a fan of folks who are responsible for why you see being away from Pakistan a blessing

 

[kingusama92]

I was born here.

From my parents' perspective, I'd imagine the only con is being away from a large chunk of their family.

 

[Abdul]

you can thank your Nawaz Sharifs for giving you such a feeling

Hilarious that you are a fan of folks who are responsible for why you see being away from Pakistan a blessing

Not really.

It's just the mindset of people there that you should only be doing collared work.

That and I hate similar things about subcontinental culture.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Freedom from extended family. Can't stand the drama.

 

[sjahmed23]

Pros: More opportunities to be what you want and make a good living. I won't say security or peace because the west is changing very rapidly and islamaphobia is rampant. You may even face discrimination at your work place or denied opportunities simply due to your name or religion.

Cons: Lose your heritage, culture and family. It won't happen right away but over time.