In 2012, when I was on the brink of unemployment and financial uncertainty, an opportunity to work for a multinational company in the UAE felt like nothing short of a blessing. Leaving behind the life I had built in my home country—friends, family, dreams—was both heartbreaking and terrifying. Yet, financial stability took precedence, and I gathered the courage to move forward.
The Gulf became my second home for 11 years, a place where I grew both personally and professionally. I was fortunate to provide my family with the life they deserved, an achievement I will always cherish. But one thing never changed: my love for my homeland, Pakistan. Every few months, I would find excuses to fly back, yearning for the warmth and familiarity of my roots. I often prayed for a day when I wouldn’t have to stay abroad just to make a living, and as the saying goes, “you get what you ask for.”
In 2023, life granted me a choice: stay in the UAE or return home. Without hesitation, I wrapped up my life there, sold what I could, packed my bags, and came back to the land I love. I was full of hope and excitement, but little did I know that my journey home would be met with unexpected challenges.
Coming Home: Reality Beyond the Bubble:
Returning to Pakistan after years of living and working in a diverse and inclusive environment opened my eyes to stark contrasts. I had grown accustomed to a broader, more open perspective on life. I had unlearned limiting beliefs and embraced self-empowerment. But coming back, I found myself unprepared for the societal barriers and biases that awaited me.
Workplace harassment and gender bias became immediate challenges. For many, a woman stepping out to work is still seen as public property, and her boundaries are often disregarded. Toxic work cultures prevail, where employees—both men and women—stay silent about injustices, trapped by the belief that enduring humiliation is the price of financial survival.
Beyond the workplace, societal issues run deep. From the lack of basic rights for children, women, the elderly, and even animals, to the normalization of physical and emotional abuse, the suffering is overwhelming. People have grown numb, desensitized to violence and injustice. It’s not uncommon to see sensitive content circulated with emojis, as though sharing brutality is an act of charity.
Cultural Reflections: Boundaries and Belonging:
One of the hardest adjustments has been navigating a culture that often disregards personal boundaries. Uninvited suggestions, intrusive comments, and relentless social expectations are seen as “Apnapan” (closeness). Our educational system emphasizes religious history but neglects teaching humanity—how to coexist, respect differences, and let people live authentically.
Social approval drives much of what people do, from extravagant weddings funded by loans to career choices dictated by others. The fear of “Log kya kahenge” (what will people say) weighs heavier than personal well-being. This mindset stifles individuality and progress, leaving many caught in a cycle of conformity and unfulfilled dreams.
A Love That Never Fades:
Despite these challenges, my love for Pakistan remains unwavering. There’s an irreplaceable charm in our food, colors, seasons, languages, and celebrations. The joy of Ramadan, the festivities of Eid, the beauty of spring—all of it reminds me why this land holds my heart.
But the question remains: will we ever break free from the toxic traditions and customs that hold us back? Will we stop following blindly and start questioning the status quo? Until we embrace change, those who dare to challenge norms will remain outcasts.
My journey back home has been one of love, frustration, and hope. I believe in the potential of this nation and its people. Together, we can work toward a society that values humanity over hierarchy, respect over ridicule, and progress over prejudice.
“Certified NLP Practitioner | Activist| Public Speaker| Humanitarian| Executive Leadership Innovator | Empowering Change Through Self-Connection”.