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Question for members living in Pakistan

gani999

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I have a genuine question for our members who live in Pakistan.


What is the day to day situation in Pakistan actually like? Are you able to lead normal lives and go about your daily affairs? Do you fear for your security when you step out?

I can understand that the country is going through an economic crisis, and that there have been terror attacks by the TTP and others. But the impression one gets in the media is that Pakistan is a country that is on the verge of collapse. And I'm not talking about the Indian media here. Even world media seems to be saying the same things.
Honestly, I find that hard to believe. The media is known for its hyperbole and no matter what country, the average citizens are always resolute and keep things going even during crises. It must be the same for Pakistan.

So what is it really like out there? [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], [MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]
 
I don't understand. Sri Lanka sank and broke into two like the Titanic in half this time. Which is a good thing, it allowed them to resurrect themselves in whatever manner and they are now limping back to normalcy.

Why is every day in Pakistan bringing about the same headlines that the nation is at the edge of the cliff like a constant horror movie without a climax?
 
I don't understand. Sri Lanka sank and broke into two like the Titanic in half this time. Which is a good thing, it allowed them to resurrect themselves in whatever manner and they are now limping back to normalcy.

Why is every day in Pakistan bringing about the same headlines that the nation is at the edge of the cliff like a constant horror movie without a climax?

Sri Lanka sank and broke in two, but their diaspora is alive and kicking in the UK. We have seen an influx of Tamils in the country, although many of them are actually Indians of Tamil descent, I imagine their progeny might have some tales to tell in the future about why they ended up here.
 
I don't understand. Sri Lanka sank and broke into two like the Titanic in half this time. Which is a good thing, it allowed them to resurrect themselves in whatever manner and they are now limping back to normalcy.

Why is every day in Pakistan bringing about the same headlines that the nation is at the edge of the cliff like a constant horror movie without a climax?

I’ll try to answer. The issue was people in Sri Lanka had no money left and they had gherat to fight for their country.

We have the money tucked away, it’s just our govt that is poor, and we also don’t seem to have any gherat left. Those that do, are trying to dismantle the fascists. Let’s see what happens!

But if you guys are hoping for the country to implode, it won’t happen. Even with all this chaos, there are forces at play that will never allow Pakistan to collapse. That’s probably a topic of another discussion.
 
I’ll try to answer. The issue was people in Sri Lanka had no money left and they had gherat to fight for their country.

We have the money tucked away, it’s just our govt that is poor, and we also don’t seem to have any gherat left. Those that do, are trying to dismantle the fascists. Let’s see what happens!

But if you guys are hoping for the country to implode, it won’t happen. Even with all this chaos, there are forces at play that will never allow Pakistan to collapse. That’s probably a topic of another discussion.

You mean like China or the USA?

Unfortunately until we build a proper Tax system we will always be paupers.
 
I recently spent a month in Pakistan and I go to Pakistan every year.

I always enjoy myself when I visit Pakistan. Me and my family go out all the time, and sure, it is initially in the back of your mind that some terror attack might happen, but chances of that happening are rare. The biased western media try to paint Pakistan as some war zone, when it couldn't be further from the truth.
 
I have a genuine question for our members who live in Pakistan.


What is the day to day situation in Pakistan actually like? Are you able to lead normal lives and go about your daily affairs? Do you fear for your security when you step out?

I can understand that the country is going through an economic crisis, and that there have been terror attacks by the TTP and others. But the impression one gets in the media is that Pakistan is a country that is on the verge of collapse. And I'm not talking about the Indian media here. Even world media seems to be saying the same things.
Honestly, I find that hard to believe. The media is known for its hyperbole and no matter what country, the average citizens are always resolute and keep things going even during crises. It must be the same for Pakistan.

So what is it really like out there? [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], [MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]

Where are you getting this TTP stuff from? How many attacks have been conducted by TTP over the last year?
 
Just came back a week or two ago and I do visit pretty much every year.

Family back home kept on telling me of high cost of living and after visiting, they were completely right and it is ridiculous down there currently under the current regime.

I have no idea how the average person is surviving out there because the prices for everyday essentials is way too high.
 
For Non-Pakistanis, Pakistan is constantly on the brink ready to implode or break into civil war anytime. I guess the reality is very different. Indians are constantly fed by the Nationalist media and left media to some extent that Pakistan will cease to exist in a matter of days or months. They are doomsday propogandists. Many westerners on Youtube also say pretty much the same thing that Indian channels drum all the day.

The truth may be somewhere in the middle.
 
I was there a year ago and there weren't any beggars on the streets like there used to be years ago. I don't know if they got wioed out by Coronavirus or maybe spending their money in Tim Horton's.
 
For Non-Pakistanis, Pakistan is constantly on the brink ready to implode or break into civil war anytime. I guess the reality is very different. Indians are constantly fed by the Nationalist media and left media to some extent that Pakistan will cease to exist in a matter of days or months. They are doomsday propogandists. Many westerners on Youtube also say pretty much the same thing that Indian channels drum all the day.

The truth may be somewhere in the middle.

Is nowhere close. Pakistan is the goose laying golden eggs for a lot of parties Pakistani and non Pakistani. The garbage Indian media feeds you is wishful thinking.

What western media doesn’t tell you is that Pakistan has been a very important tool in their belt for the last 50 or so years. Their agencies, who are really to blame for the fascism internally, have happened to learnt from the best. They won’t let their golden goose slip away that easy. They have been milking US for money for years. How will they send their kids to American d hoops if Pakistan ceased to exist. Lol.
 
I was there a year ago and there weren't any beggars on the streets like there used to be years ago. I don't know if they got wioed out by Coronavirus or maybe spending their money in Tim Horton's.

They are all now in Shehbaz’s cabinet and on yours of foreign countries begging for aid.
 
Security and terrorism isn't an issue. This was an issue during the 2000s and we would avoid going to rush areas. An area that had rush, or any election casting place or any shirine had high possibility of suicide attack. These issues have died down after 2014.

Yes there were recent attacks, but it hasn't really made us scared that much.

However, there is a very huge economic concern.

The economy has f up real bad. And we are coming to realize how much of a failed nation we are. There are 4 issues going on in the economy.

-Petrol Prices
-Dollar Rate
-Inflation Rate
-Salary Rate

We Pakistani's never realized that how much we are actually import. We had no idea that we dont have the capabilities to produce anything. Ever since the dollar spiraled out of control, prices are changing every day. My uncle has a small electonics shop, and every week he changes the prices of his products by writing on a sticky note. Prices are not stabilizing they are rising every day.

Than the prices of groceries have sky rocketed.

Everyone has there standard of measuring inflation, i have 2 standards. One is 500 mililiter pepsi/coke and the other is Tandoori Nan. I buy these two things alot.

I used to pay 15 rupees for single Naan, and than the price went to 20 and after few months it shot up to 25 rupees. Pepsi was for Rs.50, it rised to 80 rupees and than just last week it is for 90 rupees. I used to buy a 1.5 liter pepsi for 90 rupees just an year ago.

Point is, prices have sky rocketed and everyone is concerned. We are spending more money and there is a sense of worry. Businesses are doing bad, everyone is just unhappy.

Due to this inflation crime rate has increased and people dont fear terrorism, but some bier coming up and placing his gun on your temple and threatening you for your money.

Another issue is the rising prices of Petrol. Jobs are not near, we pay 270 pkr per liter. Than salaries are damn low here.

I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts.

Although i am not married or anything and my house expenses work out just fine, but i make very less money for an 9 hours boring job. Than because the job i work at is very far and i drive a car dont know how to ride a bike, my 70% of my income is spent on petrol. I eat chips and pepsi at lunch cause even food is expensive to buy.

My friend who works as a sales associate by calling people in USA, and another friend who freelances earns good money.

So anyways, my point is, there is alot of frustration.

Anyways, Ramazan is coming and tend to be more relax this month.
 
I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts

That is very worrying. Please stay strong mate. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
 
Major. Please plead talk to a professional. Talking to a trainer person in this situation helps . There is help out there. Even in Pakistan. Please take care of your mental health
 
Pakistan has been portrayed as collapsing or collapsed since, I have been alive. Nothing new.
 
That is very worrying. Please stay strong mate. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.

Major. Please plead talk to a professional. Talking to a trainer person in this situation helps . There is help out there. Even in Pakistan. Please take care of your mental health

haha no worries guys. Thanks for your concerns.

nothing too serious, its just annoying seeing that your 4 year degree isn't worth much and cant get you a good paying job.
 
I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts.

stay strong bro, dont compare yourself to other people, i saw my friends making money whilst i was broke in my younger years and know it can be terrible mentally, but sometimes you catch a lucky break, and you just need to make sure your in the right frame of mind to make it count when that does happen.
 
Security and terrorism isn't an issue. This was an issue during the 2000s and we would avoid going to rush areas. An area that had rush, or any election casting place or any shirine had high possibility of suicide attack. These issues have died down after 2014.

Yes there were recent attacks, but it hasn't really made us scared that much.

However, there is a very huge economic concern.

The economy has f up real bad. And we are coming to realize how much of a failed nation we are. There are 4 issues going on in the economy.

-Petrol Prices
-Dollar Rate
-Inflation Rate
-Salary Rate

We Pakistani's never realized that how much we are actually import. We had no idea that we dont have the capabilities to produce anything. Ever since the dollar spiraled out of control, prices are changing every day. My uncle has a small electonics shop, and every week he changes the prices of his products by writing on a sticky note. Prices are not stabilizing they are rising every day.

Than the prices of groceries have sky rocketed.

Everyone has there standard of measuring inflation, i have 2 standards. One is 500 mililiter pepsi/coke and the other is Tandoori Nan. I buy these two things alot.

I used to pay 15 rupees for single Naan, and than the price went to 20 and after few months it shot up to 25 rupees. Pepsi was for Rs.50, it rised to 80 rupees and than just last week it is for 90 rupees. I used to buy a 1.5 liter pepsi for 90 rupees just an year ago.

Point is, prices have sky rocketed and everyone is concerned. We are spending more money and there is a sense of worry. Businesses are doing bad, everyone is just unhappy.

Due to this inflation crime rate has increased and people dont fear terrorism, but some bier coming up and placing his gun on your temple and threatening you for your money.

Another issue is the rising prices of Petrol. Jobs are not near, we pay 270 pkr per liter. Than salaries are damn low here.

I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts.

Although i am not married or anything and my house expenses work out just fine, but i make very less money for an 9 hours boring job. Than because the job i work at is very far and i drive a car dont know how to ride a bike, my 70% of my income is spent on petrol. I eat chips and pepsi at lunch cause even food is expensive to buy.

My friend who works as a sales associate by calling people in USA, and another friend who freelances earns good money.

So anyways, my point is, there is alot of frustration.

Anyways, Ramazan is coming and tend to be more relax this month.

That's really sad. Hope things get better for you.
 
Security and terrorism isn't an issue. This was an issue during the 2000s and we would avoid going to rush areas. An area that had rush, or any election casting place or any shirine had high possibility of suicide attack. These issues have died down after 2014.

Yes there were recent attacks, but it hasn't really made us scared that much.

However, there is a very huge economic concern.

The economy has f up real bad. And we are coming to realize how much of a failed nation we are. There are 4 issues going on in the economy.

-Petrol Prices
-Dollar Rate
-Inflation Rate
-Salary Rate

We Pakistani's never realized that how much we are actually import. We had no idea that we dont have the capabilities to produce anything. Ever since the dollar spiraled out of control, prices are changing every day. My uncle has a small electonics shop, and every week he changes the prices of his products by writing on a sticky note. Prices are not stabilizing they are rising every day.

Than the prices of groceries have sky rocketed.

Everyone has there standard of measuring inflation, i have 2 standards. One is 500 mililiter pepsi/coke and the other is Tandoori Nan. I buy these two things alot.

I used to pay 15 rupees for single Naan, and than the price went to 20 and after few months it shot up to 25 rupees. Pepsi was for Rs.50, it rised to 80 rupees and than just last week it is for 90 rupees. I used to buy a 1.5 liter pepsi for 90 rupees just an year ago.

Point is, prices have sky rocketed and everyone is concerned. We are spending more money and there is a sense of worry. Businesses are doing bad, everyone is just unhappy.

Due to this inflation crime rate has increased and people dont fear terrorism, but some bier coming up and placing his gun on your temple and threatening you for your money.

Another issue is the rising prices of Petrol. Jobs are not near, we pay 270 pkr per liter. Than salaries are damn low here.

I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts.

Although i am not married or anything and my house expenses work out just fine, but i make very less money for an 9 hours boring job. Than because the job i work at is very far and i drive a car dont know how to ride a bike, my 70% of my income is spent on petrol. I eat chips and pepsi at lunch cause even food is expensive to buy.

My friend who works as a sales associate by calling people in USA, and another friend who freelances earns good money.

So anyways, my point is, there is alot of frustration.

Anyways, Ramazan is coming and tend to be more relax this month.

This sound like an accurate portrayal of the ground realities in Pakistan.

But more importantly, I pray everything works out for you. I promise if you keep grinding and keep Allah(SWT) in your prayers, with hardship will come ease.

You gained a scholarship because you were born with potential. Just remember that.
 
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Security and terrorism isn't an issue. This was an issue during the 2000s and we would avoid going to rush areas. An area that had rush, or any election casting place or any shirine had high possibility of suicide attack. These issues have died down after 2014.

Yes there were recent attacks, but it hasn't really made us scared that much.

However, there is a very huge economic concern.

The economy has f up real bad. And we are coming to realize how much of a failed nation we are. There are 4 issues going on in the economy.

-Petrol Prices
-Dollar Rate
-Inflation Rate
-Salary Rate

We Pakistani's never realized that how much we are actually import. We had no idea that we dont have the capabilities to produce anything. Ever since the dollar spiraled out of control, prices are changing every day. My uncle has a small electonics shop, and every week he changes the prices of his products by writing on a sticky note. Prices are not stabilizing they are rising every day.

Than the prices of groceries have sky rocketed.

Everyone has there standard of measuring inflation, i have 2 standards. One is 500 mililiter pepsi/coke and the other is Tandoori Nan. I buy these two things alot.

I used to pay 15 rupees for single Naan, and than the price went to 20 and after few months it shot up to 25 rupees. Pepsi was for Rs.50, it rised to 80 rupees and than just last week it is for 90 rupees. I used to buy a 1.5 liter pepsi for 90 rupees just an year ago.

Point is, prices have sky rocketed and everyone is concerned. We are spending more money and there is a sense of worry. Businesses are doing bad, everyone is just unhappy.

Due to this inflation crime rate has increased and people dont fear terrorism, but some bier coming up and placing his gun on your temple and threatening you for your money.

Another issue is the rising prices of Petrol. Jobs are not near, we pay 270 pkr per liter. Than salaries are damn low here.

I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts.

Although i am not married or anything and my house expenses work out just fine, but i make very less money for an 9 hours boring job. Than because the job i work at is very far and i drive a car dont know how to ride a bike, my 70% of my income is spent on petrol. I eat chips and pepsi at lunch cause even food is expensive to buy.

My friend who works as a sales associate by calling people in USA, and another friend who freelances earns good money.

So anyways, my point is, there is alot of frustration.

Anyways, Ramazan is coming and tend to be more relax this month.

Why dont you get a job with Zardari or Bilo?

Imagine those who are poorer than you and how the thieves are making them poorer. You support their policies but then want people to feel sorry for you?

Pakistan is suffering simply because of the corruption and family dynasties. Anyone who cant see this is either a supporter of them or a bitter person in general.
 
Everyone has there standard of measuring inflation, i have 2 standards. One is 500 mililiter pepsi/coke and the other is Tandoori Nan. I buy these two things alot.
.


Those 2 are the worst foods you can think of consuming. You will not realize the harm you are doing to your body right now as you are very young. Coke/Pepsi is just pure sugar and the Naan is highly refined carb which is nothing but sugar as your body will convert that to glucose. Lookup Keto diet.

Very sorry to hear about your situation ... and I can relate to it very well. The only way out of this is sheer single minded hard work as there are no shortcuts. I used to work 18 hours a day. I'am not sure if you are into Computers but its a relatively easy skill to pick and the jobs generally are satisfying and have a good future. Plenty of free resources to get started.

But no matter what dont lose touch with your parents and immediate family/friends .... keep in touch. Surround yourself with cheerful people.
 
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haha no worries guys. Thanks for your concerns.

nothing too serious, its just annoying seeing that your 4 year degree isn't worth much and cant get you a good paying job.

Please take care of yourself, take a break from news or PP if it helps, have some sort of physical activity (working out, hiking, cricket, etc) and if you're religious know you will be rewarded for your patience if you have faith. I hope your and the country's situation improves inshAllah.
 
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I am not living in Pakistan but most of my close family have moved back.

Pakistan is doing ok. People have money, malls are packed, restaurants are packed, clothes shops packed, designer goods are everywhere and almost every womans presale of clothing is sold out in seconds. Honestly after reading the media reports you would be surprised that this is Pakistan.

To the OP if I was to blindfold you and drop you into a random village or town in Pakistan apart from the slight changes in dress and the differences in masjids etc you would legit not be able to tell the difference between Pakistan and India. In the large cities you could perhaps tell a difference in the major economic areas of the cities but the less built up areas will be similar. You can take a look through the western youtube bloggers who travel to both places and make this comparison yourself, rather than relying on Indian media.

However the issue is that there is nothing to look forward to. There is nothing for a young person in their 20's to aspire to achieve. There is no industry of any sorts. At the best you can perhaps get a job in some bloated and unnecessary bureaucracy. You will have no motivation to get a top class education and settle in Pakistan.

Life is comfortable if you inherit money or have money from outside sources. If you are a youngster coming from a humble background then you don't have much to aim for within Pakistan. Your eyes will be outside.

Comparatively youngsters in India can at least aim for western outsources companies or major tech centres in Bangalore and Pune.

The situation is ok for now, but I think if we were to repeat my experiment of blindfolding an Indian and dropping them into Pakistan in 10-15 years then MASSIVE differences between Pakistan and India will have emerged.
 
I am not living in Pakistan but most of my close family have moved back.

Pakistan is doing ok. People have money, malls are packed, restaurants are packed, clothes shops packed, designer goods are everywhere and almost every womans presale of clothing is sold out in seconds. Honestly after reading the media reports you would be surprised that this is Pakistan.

To the OP if I was to blindfold you and drop you into a random village or town in Pakistan apart from the slight changes in dress and the differences in masjids etc you would legit not be able to tell the difference between Pakistan and India. In the large cities you could perhaps tell a difference in the major economic areas of the cities but the less built up areas will be similar. You can take a look through the western youtube bloggers who travel to both places and make this comparison yourself, rather than relying on Indian media.

However the issue is that there is nothing to look forward to. There is nothing for a young person in their 20's to aspire to achieve. There is no industry of any sorts. At the best you can perhaps get a job in some bloated and unnecessary bureaucracy. You will have no motivation to get a top class education and settle in Pakistan.

Life is comfortable if you inherit money or have money from outside sources. If you are a youngster coming from a humble background then you don't have much to aim for within Pakistan. Your eyes will be outside.

Comparatively youngsters in India can at least aim for western outsources companies or major tech centres in Bangalore and Pune.

The situation is ok for now, but I think if we were to repeat my experiment of blindfolding an Indian and dropping them into Pakistan in 10-15 years then MASSIVE differences between Pakistan and India will have emerged.

I respectfully disagree. Global politics change according to which country provides the bigger threat to the western hegemony (which is us bro). If India were ever to prove a real financial threat to British interests, I would back our govt to wreak absolute havoc in that country before it was allowed to take hold.
 
I respectfully disagree. Global politics change according to which country provides the bigger threat to the western hegemony (which is us bro). If India were ever to prove a real financial threat to British interests, I would back our govt to wreak absolute havoc in that country before it was allowed to take hold.

I dont believe in the Hindutva delusions that they will be a major financial threat to us here. Those hindutva guys were talking about trying to impose sanctions on Switzerland because of a marketing poster they agreed with just a few weeks ago :))

But I do think they will get their country to a point that it gives opportunity to their citizens, allow significant amounts of them to escape poverty, and they can live in relative stability and security.
 
For elite and property dealers, merchants country is still a heaven their stock value increases day by day citing the weekly spikes in $ rate and fuel prices, also there is great hustle and bustle rush in shopping malls, long queues in restaurants cafes as evident by the opening of Tim Hortons, all in all the gap between rich and poor is widening drastically
 
haha no worries guys. Thanks for your concerns.

nothing too serious, its just annoying seeing that your 4 year degree isn't worth much and cant get you a good paying job.


Brother you're too smart of a guy to go down this reasoning. Education gives you more than a potential career. It gives you the ability to excel in any field you want to step in. Stop working for someone and do something for yourself. Believe me, you'll do it even better than whoever else is doing it in the market and majority of those folks won't be as educated as you are. Just go for something you're either passionate about or something that is approachable to do within your means. Maybe start off with a side hustle and slowly move towards full time
 
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stay strong bro, dont compare yourself to other people, i saw my friends making money whilst i was broke in my younger years and know it can be terrible mentally, but sometimes you catch a lucky break, and you just need to make sure your in the right frame of mind to make it count when that does happen.

This sound like an accurate portrayal of the ground realities in Pakistan. The insights from the British Pakistanis who visit Pakistan annually/biannually are talking nonsense as usual.

But more importantly, I pray everything works out for you. I promise if you keep grinding and keep Allah(SWT) in your prayers, with hardship will come ease.

You gained a scholarship because you were born with potential. Just remember that.

Those 2 are the worst foods you can think of consuming. You will not realize the harm you are doing to your body right now as you are very young. Coke/Pepsi is just pure sugar and the Naan is highly refined carb which is nothing but sugar as your body will convert that to glucose. Lookup Keto diet.

Very sorry to hear about your situation ... and I can relate to it very well. The only way out of this is sheer single minded hard work as there are no shortcuts. I used to work 18 hours a day. I'am not sure if you are into Computers but its a relatively easy skill to pick and the jobs generally are satisfying and have a good future. Plenty of free resources to get started.

But no matter what dont lose touch with your parents and immediate family/friends .... keep in touch. Surround yourself with cheerful people.

Please take care of yourself, take a break from news or PP if it helps, have some sort of physical activity (working out, hiking, cricket, etc) and if you're religious know you will be rewarded for your patience if you have faith. I hope your and the country's situation improves inshAllah.

Brother you're too smart of a guy to go down this reasoning. Education gives you more than a potential career. It gives you the ability to excel in any field you want to step in. Stop working for someone and do something for yourself. Believe me, you'll do it even better than whoever else is doing it in the market and majority of those folks won't be as educated as you are. Just go for something you're either passionate about or something that is approachable to do within your means. Maybe start off with a side hustle and slowly move towards full time

Thanks for the msgs guys.

Actual issue is the career factor. My only fear is that if i am not able to establish a career, than I am done for.

The job market here is very tricky. We dont have that many established companies, there are only a few. Majority are start ups that dont want to teach graduates and expect them to have learned all skills before coming to them. Bigger companies provide training through MTO positions that get taken away.

Smaller companies want you to learn on your own with no guarantee that they will give you a job or not.

When i was in university, i was enthusiastic about marketing and branding, turns out those jobs dont really exists in my side of the country. For Pakistanis, marketing is basically sales. Half of my class ended up entering into the real estate sector which I avoid.

Anyways, the enthusiasm I once had is down and so is the confidence I had my back in my unviersity. And seeing your friends make more does bother a person a bit.

I even tried searching cricket related jobs :)), like writers and such, maybe its something passionate I want to do, turns out those jobs are only India, UK etc.

Anyways, lets see where life takes me.

Point is, the country was always a mess. Its a country for the elite not for the middle class, dont want to make this thread about me, but just giving you guys an idea what the country is like, or has been like.
 
If people cannot post with respect then don't both posting.

Deleted some very rude comments here and do not want to see these repeated.
 
I am not living in Pakistan but most of my close family have moved back.

Pakistan is doing ok. People have money, malls are packed, restaurants are packed, clothes shops packed, designer goods are everywhere and almost every womans presale of clothing is sold out in seconds. Honestly after reading the media reports you would be surprised that this is Pakistan.
It depends who you are talking about.

Businesses are doing terrible.

I have a friend who is in clothing business, and clothing was able to recover itself during covid somewhat, but currently the market for clothing is not doing well.
I have an uncle in electronics retail, and he is not able to meet break even, he is running the store on savings not on profit now.

People have lost purchasing power and along with rising prices. If a chicken dish was for 800 rupees, now same dish is at Rs. 1500 - Rs. 2000. People go to stores and turn back as soon as they find out about prices.

Restaurants been forced to drop their quality as prices are jacked. Only those restaurants are doing good that sell food at cheap prices, and that too not chicken but lentils.

The cheapest commodity in Pakistan was vegetables. You can buy good amount of veggies under Rs.500, but even that is not feasible anymore.

The people we see in restaurants are the elite or upper class. Middle class has lost it and cant even afford to go anywhere.

Also an interesting thing is that people that live in Villiages they dont sufffer that much. Its the people living in Urban cities.

The village people or even Urban city people of Punjab have farm lands in villages. That helps in covering their household kitchen cost as they get wheat, rice and lentils for the whole year. And they have a passive income going around for them. But this advantage is for only a few people that have farm land and did not ended up selling those lands.

Rest of the post I agree with, everyone is trying to run to USA, Canada or even Europe. If you cant run, people trying to freelance and earn dollars some way. There is nothing in the country.

And on top of all this, we have course sellers telling people to not get an education and do courses.

Call center business is thriving as many are opening up and giving out easy money.
 
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The economic situation has broken the back of middle, poor middle and white collar people in general. It's a depressing state overall for them. Other than that, other issues like security don't bother them too much as compared to inflation.
 
It depends who you are talking about.

Businesses are doing terrible.

I have a friend who is in clothing business, and clothing was able to recover itself during covid somewhat, but currently the market for clothing is not doing well.
I have an uncle in electronics retail, and he is not able to meet break even, he is running the store on savings not on profit now.

People have lost purchasing power and along with rising prices. If a chicken dish was for 800 rupees, now same dish is at Rs. 1500 - Rs. 2000. People go to stores and turn back as soon as they find out about prices.

Restaurants been forced to drop their quality as prices are jacked. Only those restaurants are doing good that sell food at cheap prices, and that too not chicken but lentils.

The cheapest commodity in Pakistan was vegetables. You can buy good amount of veggies under Rs.500, but even that is not feasible anymore.

The people we see in restaurants are the elite or upper class. Middle class has lost it and cant even afford to go anywhere.

Also an interesting thing is that people that live in Villiages they dont sufffer that much. Its the people living in Urban cities.

The village people or even Urban city people of Punjab have farm lands in villages. That helps in covering their household kitchen cost as they get wheat, rice and lentils for the whole year. And they have a passive income going around for them. But this advantage is for only a few people that have farm land and did not ended up selling those lands.

Rest of the post I agree with, everyone is trying to run to USA, Canada or even Europe. If you cant run, people trying to freelance and earn dollars some way. There is nothing in the country.

And on top of all this, we have course sellers telling people to not get an education and do courses.

Call center business is thriving as many are opening up and giving out easy money.

I think thats a fair assessment. In the UK we have a term called "working poor" and that basically describes those that still have to survive on benefits and foodbanks despite working. The situation you have described of the middle class in Pakistan perhaps reflects that.

Still (at least on a surface level), the country does not feel like it is on the verge of collapse. It's as hustling and bustling as ever.

What sort of call centres are you referring to in your last sentence by the way?
 
I think thats a fair assessment. In the UK we have a term called "working poor" and that basically describes those that still have to survive on benefits and foodbanks despite working. The situation you have described of the middle class in Pakistan perhaps reflects that.

Still (at least on a surface level), the country does not feel like it is on the verge of collapse. It's as hustling and bustling as ever.

What sort of call centres are you referring to in your last sentence by the way?

outbound and inbound. They advertise themselves as sales, and pay well upto PKR 80 k that no one else does. They usually sell their services or products to people in USA and UK
 
Security and terrorism isn't an issue. This was an issue during the 2000s and we would avoid going to rush areas. An area that had rush, or any election casting place or any shirine had high possibility of suicide attack. These issues have died down after 2014.

Yes there were recent attacks, but it hasn't really made us scared that much.

However, there is a very huge economic concern.

The economy has f up real bad. And we are coming to realize how much of a failed nation we are. There are 4 issues going on in the economy.

-Petrol Prices
-Dollar Rate
-Inflation Rate
-Salary Rate

We Pakistani's never realized that how much we are actually import. We had no idea that we dont have the capabilities to produce anything. Ever since the dollar spiraled out of control, prices are changing every day. My uncle has a small electonics shop, and every week he changes the prices of his products by writing on a sticky note. Prices are not stabilizing they are rising every day.

Than the prices of groceries have sky rocketed.

Everyone has there standard of measuring inflation, i have 2 standards. One is 500 mililiter pepsi/coke and the other is Tandoori Nan. I buy these two things alot.

I used to pay 15 rupees for single Naan, and than the price went to 20 and after few months it shot up to 25 rupees. Pepsi was for Rs.50, it rised to 80 rupees and than just last week it is for 90 rupees. I used to buy a 1.5 liter pepsi for 90 rupees just an year ago.

Point is, prices have sky rocketed and everyone is concerned. We are spending more money and there is a sense of worry. Businesses are doing bad, everyone is just unhappy.

Due to this inflation crime rate has increased and people dont fear terrorism, but some bier coming up and placing his gun on your temple and threatening you for your money.

Another issue is the rising prices of Petrol. Jobs are not near, we pay 270 pkr per liter. Than salaries are damn low here.

I earn peanuts, and I will be very honest with you guys I have been having suicidal thoughts.

Although i am not married or anything and my house expenses work out just fine, but i make very less money for an 9 hours boring job. Than because the job i work at is very far and i drive a car dont know how to ride a bike, my 70% of my income is spent on petrol.


*** I eat chips and pepsi at lunch cause even food is expensive to buy. ***

My friend who works as a sales associate by calling people in USA, and another friend who freelances earns good money.

So anyways, my point is, there is alot of frustration.

Anyways, Ramazan is coming and tend to be more relax this month.


Sorry that I got a lil crude on you in my last comment that was rightly removed by the admins. Apologies for that.

However, on a serious note and please be honest with us here.


Are you habitually eating chips in lunch at work - OR - were you able to somewhat afford a lunch meal during the PTI times but now, either can't afford it or want to save some money to make up for the cost of petrol?
 
Cut down the expenses literally majority of people are doing this, take lunch from home, leave your car and ride a bike stop spending hard earned money on lavish clothes. Assuming one earns less than Rs.50k, then it's insanity going office on a car having lunch outs and buying branded clothes, live below your means
 
people telling OP country is fine whilst telling him to cut expenses dont realise they are pre empting the eventual demand drop that will precipate a greater slow down in pakistans economic conditions. the point isnt where ur at, but where is the country heading, and everyone knows that in Pak that's the wrong direction.

also comparing with India doesn't help, some parts of India are terrible, others are on the verge of being middle income, tamil nadu pbly has the same GDP as Pakistan despite being 1/3 of the population. the constant comparison with india to hide pakistans economic challenges does not benefit anyone.
 
Thanks for the msgs guys.

Actual issue is the career factor. My only fear is that if i am not able to establish a career, than I am done for.

I even tried searching cricket related jobs :)), like writers and such, maybe its something passionate I want to do, turns out those jobs are only India, UK etc.

Anyways, lets see where life takes me.

Point is, the country was always a mess. Its a country for the elite not for the middle class, dont want to make this thread about me, but just giving you guys an idea what the country is like, or has been like.

start a cheap side hustle, if theres one thing that pak has in abundance its a market to sell stuff, find any business model that works in the west and try implement it on small scale in pak. something online, which can have low start up costs.
 
Cut down the expenses literally majority of people are doing this, take lunch from home, leave your car and ride a bike stop spending hard earned money on lavish clothes. Assuming one earns less than Rs.50k, then it's insanity going office on a car having lunch outs and buying branded clothes, live below your means

I am not willing to take a risk on my life by riding a bike. Its one of the most unsafe means of transport. Riding a bike means that you are most likely to be involved in an accident.

See this is the issue in countries like Pakistan. You are expected to put your own lives at risk instead of being paid properly or being provided with proper employment
 
Pakistani professionals struggle with higher costs as economy teeters

KARACHI, March 24 (Reuters) - Naureen Ahsan earns more than twice the average wage in Pakistan, but the school administrator says she has no choice but to homeschool her daughters and delay their London-board certified final exams because she can't afford their education.

Like most people in the nation of 220 million, Ahsan and her husband, who owns a car servicing business, are struggling to cope with a surge in living costs triggered by the government's devaluing the currency and removing subsidies to pave the way for the latest tranche of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout needed to stave off economic collapse.

Pakistan is no stranger to economic crises - this is its fifth IMF bailout since 1997 - but economists say the latest measures, which include higher taxes and fuel costs, are hurting educated professionals. Many say they are cutting down on necessities to make ends meet.

"We don't eat out any more," Ahsan told Reuters. "We no longer buy meat, fish. I've cut down on tissue paper and detergent. We don't see friends, we don't give gifts. Occasionally, we scream at each other."

The government-mandated minimum wage is about 25,000 rupees, but with inflation at a record 31.5% in February, its highest rate in nearly 50 years, many people who earn much more than that say their salaries do not last the month.

Abhi Salary, one of Pakistan's biggest fintech firms, which allows its 200,000 or so subscribers to withdraw wages in advance, says transactions have increased by more than a fifth every month for the last three months. Most people spend two-thirds of the money on groceries as they rush to stock up before prices rise again, Abhi CEO Omair Ansari said.

"Unfortunately the poor in Pakistan are left with nothing to lose," said Abid Suleri, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute of Pakistan, an economic think tank. "Educated professionals... find their purchasing power and savings eroded, and daily consumption either unaffordable or out of reach."

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Ramadan, which began this week, is likely to add to price pressures in Muslim-majority Pakistan. Analysts predict inflation to rise to at least 35% a month in March and April.

During the holy month, Muslims traditionally break their daylong fast with special foods and at large family gatherings, culminating in the Eid al-Fitr festivities. This year, for many people, Ramadan means more belt tightening.

"We're cutting down on the number of meals and the food," said Ahmed, a senior manager at a multinational company who declined to give his family name because he was worried about possible backlash from his employer. "It will be more difficult to buy sweets and gifts for Eid, which is a break from our family tradition."

The economic turmoil is driving some professionals out of the country. Khaliq, a doctor who also didn't want to be give his full name because he was embarrassed by his financial situation, said he and his wife, who is also a doctor, work as much as they can to save up for exams to qualify them to work in Britain.

"We think twice about eating out or using the car," he said, adding that the weakening rupee was making the cost of their exam, which is in British pounds, higher by the day. "We plan to pass the exams and move out ASAP."

($1 = 282.7200 Pakistani rupees)

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Reporting by Ariba Shahid, writing by Miral Fahmy. Editing by Gerry Doyle
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Ariba Shahid
Thomson Reuters

Ariba Shahid is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan. She primarily covers economic and financial news from Pakistan, along with Karachi-centric stories. Ariba has previously worked at DealStreetAsia and Profit Magazine
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-...with-higher-costs-economy-teeters-2023-03-24/
 
Just curious - what is the average salary in Pakistan for the following?

- Branch Manager of a nationalised bank
- Collector / Revenue Collector
- Local Police inspector
- An army colonel
 
I am not willing to take a risk on my life by riding a bike. Its one of the most unsafe means of transport. Riding a bike means that you are most likely to be involved in an accident.

See this is the issue in countries like Pakistan. You are expected to put your own lives at risk instead of being paid properly or being provided with proper employment

If Pakistan can't offer you a salary which you feels you deserve, then you have a couple of options. Start a small business or provide a service which people will pay for, even if that is polishing shoes or dancing at weddings for a fee. Use your qualifications to find a job outside of Pakistan.
 
If Pakistan can't offer you a salary which you feels you deserve, then you have a couple of options. Start a small business or provide a service which people will pay for, even if that is polishing shoes or dancing at weddings for a fee. Use your qualifications to find a job outside of Pakistan.

You are saying this in jest but my nephew who is a doctor is now considering going into the Wedding planning business for similar reasons as Major stated.
 
You are saying this in jest but my nephew who is a doctor is now considering going into the Wedding planning business for similar reasons as Major stated.

I'm not saying it in jest though. In third world countries the real poor are reduced to begging on the streets or when they are really driven to the wall, they will protest in the most extreme forms possible. Farmers were reduced to suicide in India, just to give an example.

It's your country, if things are so bad then complaining on the internet is the weakest choice. At least your nephew is taking action and forging an alternative path so fair play to him. Although those in the medical profession should be protesting loudly ( in their own country) if they can't practice their profession at a fair wage. That's what they are doing here in the UK to demand better salaries, I've witnessed it myself at hospitals I have been driving past in the last month.
 
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I'm not saying it in jest though. In third world countries the real poor are reduced to begging on the streets or when they are really driven to the wall, they will protest in the most extreme forms possible. Farmers were reduced to suicide in India, just to give an example.

It's your country, if things are so bad then complaining on a cricket forum is the weakest choice. At least your nephew is taking action and forging an alternative path so fair play to him. Although those in the medical profession should be protesting loudly ( in their own country) if they can't practice their profession at a fair wage. That's what they are doing here in the UK to demand better salaries, I've witnessed it myself at hospitals I have been driving past in the last month.

My nephews problem as a doctor is more to do with the attitudes in the medical profession than wages. Its the general malaise in all walks of life.
 
My nephews problem as a doctor is more to do with the attitudes in the medical profession than wages. Its the general malaise in all walks of life.

If there is more buzz and energy about wedding planning than medicine, then that just reflects on what values the society holds more dearly. Again something those in the medical profession need to be asking questions about.

In Britain, people were leaving the nursing profession in droves because they felt undervalued and underpaid, and to be frank, were very easy to replace on low pay by bringing in replacements from Asia. This isn't just a Pakistan problem, we have similar issues here, but because we are still a relatively rich nation, we can absorb it better.
 
Agreed.

I feel a time will come when the grey economy will not be able to support livelihoods - it is then when things will spill out on to the streets. The consequences of that are unimaginable.
 
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Sajid Hussain Turi has said that the government would send one million Pakistanis abroad for employment opportunities this year.

Turi made this announcement in an exclusive interview with a private television channel on Sunday. “Saudi authorities will be visiting Pakistan soon to issue work permit visas and new agreements are being signed with 50 other countries, including Germany, Greece, and Romania,” he added. Minister Turi also said Pakistanis who pass the technical training test will be eligible to obtain Saudi visas.

According to the minister, Japan has recently started issuing visas for skilled Pakistani workers, while South Korea needs 10,000 Pakistani skilled workers and plans to recruit them soon.

In addition, Pakistanis are now able to obtain work visas for Germany and Romania, and agreements are in progress to provide professional and labor visas for Portugal and Greece.

Express Tribune
 
If you are affluent , have a lavish job or some big business or hefty bank balance then Pakistan is great for living , you can get access to anything any time , also being privileged help you in every aspect of life
 
If you are affluent , have a lavish job or some big business or hefty bank balance then Pakistan is great for living , you can get access to anything any time , also being privileged help you in every aspect of life
Negative. On all accounts.

Poor infrastructure, hygiene, security, amenities makes pakistan uninhabitable for the civilized. It's literally dog eat god world here.

Exacerbated by continuous noise from masjids, blowhorns and worn out engines, and your simple walk down the street is an unmitigated headache. It's dark ages here.
 
Negative. On all accounts.

Poor infrastructure, hygiene, security, amenities makes pakistan uninhabitable for the civilized. It's literally dog eat god world here.

Exacerbated by continuous noise from masjids, blowhorns and worn out engines, and your simple walk down the street is an unmitigated headache. It's dark ages here.

The picture you are pasting is from a slum area ,whereas big societies have serene environment, Carpet roads and all the facilities
 
The picture you are pasting is from a slum area ,whereas big societies have serene environment, Carpet roads and all the facilities
Concur.

The "big societies" are just a fraction though. You have to be in that .00001% cohort to avail those secluded logistics.

Remaining 99.99999% live in the squalor I just described. It didn't use to be this way though.
 
Concur.

Already mentioned if you ate affluent
The "big societies" are just a fraction though. You have to be in that .00001% cohort to avail those secluded logistics.

Remaining 99.99999% live in the squalor I just described. It didn't use to be this way though.
 
If you are affluent, Money solves all the problem in Pakistan 99.9999% the rest 0.0001% doesn't arise
 
This documentary is for lahore. Could be any other city. Same scenes.

Motto on karachi streets is: pakistan zindabad nahin. pakistan se zinda bhago.

 
Pakistanis much like Bharatiya Punjabis live life king size. The ones who have decent money in these regions live a much better lifestyle than people of same income levels in other parts of Bharat. Everybody knows here that despite being from Punjab i never spare our people for being the most delusional, anti progress people in the country. But having said that, come to Punjab and you will see and feel the richness of our people. Big bungalows, shiny big cars, our women wear great dresses and love to flaunt it. Whenever someone from other parts of Bharat pays of visit to our Punjab we see they’re awestruck by the glamour and lifestyle here. Pakistanis are the same.

All these nerds from Bharat who troll Pakistan for their economy. Bro, you all wear cheap clothes and live in a 1 room set so shut the hell up and don’t ever take these things like GDP and all so seriously. Chances are an average Pakistani might be living a better life than you. Their cities are cleanlier too and they don’t have the dehaaat Bihari-Up crowd there to the same extent who make you strangle yourself in public places at times in Bharat.

Bharat taking over Germany and Japan in GDP doesnt have a huge impact on our day to day life until the per capita changes significantly and even then it’s really about how you see life. The size and population of our country is such we absolutely have to be #1 at some point in the near future and that too by na large margin to have any flex. Otherwise this is just qudrat ka nizam. It a country of 1.5 billion people the most populated country in the world won’t be a Top 3 GDP in the world who in the he’ll would be? A lot of you have no perspective in life.

Pakistanis are such remarkable resilient people despite all the hardships and challenges look how khushdil they are.
 
If you are affluent , have a lavish job or some big business or hefty bank balance then Pakistan is great for living , you can get access to anything any time , also being privileged help you in every aspect of life
This is true for every country
 
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