My experiences in Pakistan

MAVRA FAROOQI
09UO131

As you may have seen already, there are various posts in the section H blog reflecting their thoughts on issues of Pakistan. However, I decided to do a little different and SHARE my experiences of Pakistan, as having shifted from a foreign country, New Zealand. After spending 2 years here, i have realized there are both pros as well as cons to living here. I hope sec H students, my class fellows, will able to understand my point of view of this country.

Starting from the PROS, it has enabled me to develop and expand my knowledge of the diversity of cultures, including western culture and Pakistani culture. After living in New Zealand for 17 years, I am able to make comparisons regarding the cultural differences. Now I am able to identify that the Pakistani culture tends to derive from the Islamic religion. In summary, it has expanded my knowledge.

Living in Pakistan also enables one to be appreciate whatever luxuries one’s life consists of. As giving an example of myself, I am constantly reminded of the fact that compared to other less fortunate individuals, I am Alhumdullilah provided with many what other people would define as luxuries. For instance, a nice house, good clothes, ownership of mobiles/laptops, good education, and much more. I constantly see families who struggle to survive in a poverty stricken environment, who are desperate to live in a comfortable lifestyle without any worries. This reminds me to keep thanking god for whatever I have and be grateful to him.

Moreover, living in an Islamic country always has its benefits. I have learnt a great deal about islam, as living in a western country I did not realize the importance of being a PRACTICING muslim. Pakistan has entitled me to gain knowledge on my religion, and additionally get to know my CULTURE, FULLY.

CONS:

Spending 2 years in Pakistan, I have gotten to know the meaning of REAL CHALLENGES. New Zealand provides one with a net of safety and utter comfort. With no cuts in electricity, very little poverty, management of administrative services is fast and of top quality ( for example the bus transportation service provides the city with a set timetable of bus times and location of set bus stops, there are no delays in buses arriving at stops. Therefore, many people in New Zealand prefer to travel in buses while going to their jobs, school, etc, due to the fact it is very reliable, convenient, cheap, and SAFE.) Moving closer to my point, my mother states “Challenges start right after the moment you leave your front door, with no one following any traffic rules resulting in blockages, the blazing heat, and as a woman being unable to walk freely on an open road ”. However, many of the challenges are due to the disappointing state of the government, there is still hope of individuals living a better quality lifestyle if only the government improved.

Additionally, I have noticed a great difference in the education system of the two countries. At first, I was shocked to see such little children, aged 7-8 years old bombarded with heavy monthly exams, tests and a school bag loaded with heavy books which is hard for them to even carry. Children at such a young age are suffering from regular tension due to their syllabus being too large and hectic. Stress at all ages should be avoided as much as possible, as great levels of it as in indicator of risk of many diseases/health problems. In comparison to New Zealand, real exams start at the age of around 12/13. Prior to that, school life is filled with steady, relaxed studies enabling the teachers to teach children at a steady pace so that they can pick things up fully and understand it 100%, no “RATAH”( a Pakistani term of memorization” . Similarly, children are given a chance to experience out of school related activities, for example playing regular sports(including cycling, swimming), experience art and music classes, and much more. The staff also teaches students basic ethics for instance every student having ‘rubbish duty’, where the entire class has to pick up rubbish in the school, to teach them that throwing rubbish on the ground instead of the bin is regarded as a filthy habit. The purpose of this point is to reveal that schooling should also teach children ‘life ethics’, and most importantly enjoy their childhood, not bombarded with studies 24/7.

Hoping not a make a judgment and sounding offensive, but I have realized that Pakistan does consist of many two faced, hypocritical, and intense clever people. That is the reason why my parents regularly tell me to not trust people. In Comparison to New Zealand, one had no reason not to trust someone, as most people are simple and straightforward.

In conclusion, I would have to say there are both advantages and disadvantages of living in every country. Life does not come without challenges. I would have to admit that I am enjoying living here, and I am grateful that I was given an opportunity to live in Pakistan.