Pakistan- people, culture and life
When people ask me what sort of life is there in
When they ask me how are Pakistani as people, I say great. I’m a proud Pakistani. But had I been as Israeli, I would have been a proud one.
Very recently, someone from the
If I don’t tell her the truth and she traps in here with the kids, it might be just because of me- I didn’t say the truth. And that’s when I took the makeup off my face and told her what we really are.
When we do not idealize ourselves how can we make others do that. I had to have the guts to let her know how we view through tinted glass: the imported stuff and had to show her the rotten parts beautifully done under piles of cosmetic.
I started replying to the lady’s email and thought would be done in few lines. Surprisingly it took me an hour and a half to shamelessly let her know what the truth was. I hate feeling so ugly. And when I was done and as I wrote:
Best wishes,
Unaiza Nasim.
I had a proud smile on my face. Proud of throwing up the undigested thoughts that used to stink under the expensive brands of perfume I wear. I was scared of other nationals to realize this ugliness of me. The feeling was so strong ,it over come every other good quality as if there wasn’t any ever.
In my attempt to say the truth and bring up the reality show, I’m not sure if I convinced her how difficult it was for an American to adapt our lifestyle - so impossible – yet proving the compatibility of Desi’s to mould themselves so easily into any culture. The gleam of foreign currency brings a twinkle in the eye and there we are hypnotized! Piece of cake.
Or may be I was smiling because I had escaped the ugly trap that was set in. The feeling of triumph…
January 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Karachi or for that Pakistan isnt that bad..or that stinking..or how ever you choose to explain it..maybe your experiences after marriage or something make you feel that way..but its just like any other country…a developing one..with its fair share of issues..and the chaos..and the day to day fear of living or dying…i agree on that…its difficult for anyoen to adopt our lifestyle because of the conservative factor..but i strongly doubt its THAT hard for foreigners who for all usually live very insular bubble lives when in pakistan, usually within their own communities..how do i know that,…well cause I have a bunch of friends and they do just that…
Why do we desis mould ourselves easily into any culture?Because many are running away from issues which they no longer choose to face back home ….while many like me and the husband are abroad by necessity of having to earn..or study..or do better for our families….so we stay..knowing well go back soon enough, or twice an year or maybe more permanent once things are settled..
So while u get overly critical about us as a country..sit back and wonder…this is what all the world does…we as a country for all our miserable failures..are just trying to get better..and if its imported stuff that does it…fakeness…difficulties…so be it..its just anothe rglitch in the long road we have ahead
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
This is an interesting entry! See, this stuff, the real stuff, is what makes a thought-provoking blog. I am not a Pakistani, and I love to learn about other cultures and the ways that people see the world. There are so many cultures, and yet we’re all stuck on the same planet with the same issues to go through and the same desire to make a life for ourselves. How is the view from your plot of earth as opposed to mine? Please continue writing. Share more about your worldview, your culture, this lifestyle you mentioned in your entry.
January 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
The ugly trap?What part are you referring to?The life you had in Pakistan which caused you or made you move to Dubai..or life in general in Pakistan?Because if its the 2nd part…then…id disagree…and so would alot of other people
January 28th, 2008 at 8:28 am
i moved from dubai to pakiland a few years ago, and i love it to bits!
February 7th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Unaiza you should have explained the ugliness and beautiness of the country and let others decide whether its beautiful or not. May be things which look ugly to you mean a lot for others or things looking charming to you are unbearable for others.
If you are wearing green glasses then everything would look green and if you wear black glasses then …………………………obviously everthing would have a black shade. Its your angle that makes a picture beautiful or ugly.
February 7th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
All u are wrong b/coz all pakistani people are very good as compared to all people on this planet.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:47 am
I disagree. I know a lady who moved from USA to Bangladesh and found it very appealing. She was a convert and wanted her kids to grow up in a Muslim country even with its many faults. I know few more who moved to Karachi and been there for past decades. They all are fine and happy. I don’t know what the deal with Unaiza is. Pakistan is a beautiful country and people are better than most. I live in the USA but miss it every single day. Every time I come to Karachi and compare it to America I find it friendlier, genuine and pleasant. I guess some desis will always complain and not appreciate what they have. Ask a Palestinian how they feel for not having a homeland. May be then we will appreciate our homeland and stop bad mouthing it to foreigners.
Take the example of India. It is the most awful place on this earth but every Indian projects it as piece if heaven in the USA. Check out there ads on American TV.
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:25 am
Pakistan has a wealthy heritage, rich culture and great ethnic background. Pakistani heritage is enrich in customs. Pakistani People are very Hospitable.
February 8th, 2010 at 6:40 am
I disagree with umair. Pakistanipeople are one of the worst people in this world. I have been to many countries and have met many people.I have also lived in Pakistan fo some years and I have t say we Pakistanis are one of the worst people to meet. I’m not saying all Pakistanis are bad but most of em are
February 8th, 2010 at 6:43 am
I think adapting to Pakistani culture for foreigners would be hell. Most of the foreigners living in Pakistan are either depressed or conservative
March 23rd, 2010 at 8:59 am
Hemmm i like it.
April 4th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
i am a proud pakistani living in usa for the last 10 years i go every year but still waiting to move back for good its the best place for a kids to raise where there u have your family and your own culture and most important the school system is great they have mucg better education there than hear in US
it all depends on priorities my priority is to make my after life successful to akirah better by living with my parents and taking care of them and stay with my family so my kids grow knowing the family values. i am not saying that live abroad is bad and no body should leave the country i left my husband left but now we are ready to go back and serve our country and enjoy our rich culture and heritage and again it all depends on your own priorities but pakistan is my home its the best place on earth. i love pakistan.jiye pakistan.