A NUMBER of my relatives and friends often tell me that with my qualifications and experience, I should have achieved much more than I have in Pakistan. Given the increasing number of people leaving the country, they always keep encouraging me to consider relocating and exploring some better opportunities abroad. They are actually wasting their time since I truely have no plans to move abroad. Of course, I have my own reasons behind this.

Having lived in and visited several countries across the world, I am well aware that while there are advantages, there are also numerous drawbacks of living away from one’s home country. The history of prosperous nations reveals that a key factor behind their success lies in the people’s unconditional patriotism and love for their homeland.

Indeed, living and working overseas can be a rewarding experience. However, this venture into the unknown brings its own set of challenges. Adapting to a new culture can be one of the most significant hurdles, with language barriers, widely unfamiliar customs and social norms creating a sense of continuous isolation and disorientation. Even if one is a citizen of a foreign country, he or she may still experience a secondary status. Besides, there are waves of xenophobia existing in various societies, as can be seen in the accompanying photograph above showing a right-wing rally in Slovakia.

Moreover, navigating the legal and administrative systems of any foreign country can be truly daunting. One has to face challenges in obtaining visas, work permits as well as many other essential documentation. Further, career-related obstacles are common, as qualifications obtained in one’s homeland may not always be recognised, and employment opportunities can be competitive. Apart from these challenges, access to healthcare becomes a rather significant concern, with differences in healthcare systems coupled with potential language barriers complicating matters.

On the other hand, managing finances in a foreign country involves dealing with currency exchange rates, fluctuating cost of living and tax implications, leading to unexpected financial challenges for expatriates. Being physically away from family and the familiar comforts of home culture can be emotionally taxing, making it challenging to celebrate holidays and important milestones, and to maintain relationships.

Families with children may encounter educational challenges due to differences in education systems, curricula and language barriers, impacting a child’s academic progress and requiring extensive research to find suitable schools that may align with one’s educational expectations.

One of the primary advantages one may have while staying in one’s home country during an economic downturn is the support network that one’s local communities can offer. Friends, family and neighbours often unite during challenging times, providing emotional support and practical assistance. Being part of a community familiar with local dynamics provides a sense of belonging and solidarity that might be challenging to replicate elsewhere.

Choosing to stay in one’s own country allows people to leverage their existing networks and knowledge to move along more effectively. Economic crises are cyclical, and historical patterns show that recovery often follows downturns. By staying in the home country, individuals position themselves to benefit from the eventual economic upswing. While those engaged in local business, education or real estate may find themselves well-placed to capitalise on opportunities as the economy rebounds.

Transferring assets elsewhere can be a complex and costly process. During an economic crisis, currency values may fluctuate which, in turn, makes it further challenging to safeguard one’s financial portfolio. Keeping one’s assets within the country allows individuals to mitigate risks associated with currency volatility, and to maintain a more stable financial foundation.

In contrast, by participating in local initiatives, supporting small businesses, and engaging in community development, individuals can play a role in rebuilding the economic fabric of their homeland. Economic downturns present excellent opportunities for self-improvement and skill development.

Civic engagement is a powerful tool for bringing change. Individuals can actively participate in the democratic process by staying informed about economic policies, voting in elections, and holding elected officials accountable. As such, a politically engaged citizenry contributes to the formulation of policies aligning with the nation’s economic interests.

Despite the fact that Pakistan has been going through financial challenges, the situation is gradually improving. The nation happens to be advancing towards political steadiness with high hopes pinned on the new government. Efforts targeting stabilisation indicate a positive trajectory. In fact, the solution lies not in leaving the country, but in staying and finding opportunities within the current situation, and contributing positively. Choosing to remain in Pakistan presents an opportunity to play a crucial role in spreading positivity, productivity and patriotism, contributing to the collective spirit needed for the nation’s progress.

Abdul Basit Alvi
Muzaffarabad

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2024