Why Overseas Pakistanis Should Love Their Country, Not Their Leader

Overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to Pakistan. They contribute billions of dollars in remittances each year, which help to support the country’s economy. They also play a vital role in promoting Pakistan’s culture and values abroad.

It is important to remember that overseas Pakistanis do not belong to any particular political party. They are Pakistanis first and foremost, and they want what is best for their country. If, as an overseas Pakistani, your love for your country is contingent upon some particular politician or a particular political party, then you are not patriotic, you are a cult.

Reducing or stopping remittances would be a disaster for Pakistan. It would push the country into deeper economic problems and make it even more difficult to achieve its development goals. Our enemies would be overjoyed if this happened.

This is not the time to do politics. It is time to stand with our country. We must not fall for the propaganda of those who work for their own selfish interests.

Here are some statistics that highlight the importance of overseas Pakistanis:

In 2021, remittances from overseas Pakistanis amounted to $29.3 billion. This was a record high and accounted for 6.2% of Pakistan’s GDP.

Remittances are a major source of foreign exchange for Pakistan. They help to finance imports, investment, and government spending.

Overseas Pakistanis also play a role in promoting Pakistan’s culture and values abroad. They run businesses, invest in Pakistan, and send their children to Pakistani schools.

Overseas Pakistanis are an important part of the Pakistani nation. They have made significant contributions to Pakistan’s economy, culture, and society. We must all do our part to support them and to ensure that they continue to contribute to Pakistan’s development.

Why Should Overseas Pakistanis Support Pakistan, Even With Their Grievances?

Overseas Pakistanis have a lot of grievances with the Pakistani government. They are often frustrated with the country’s political instability, corruption, and lack of economic opportunities. However, it is important for them to remember that Pakistan is still their home. They should continue to support the country, even with their grievances.

There are a number of reasons why overseas Pakistanis should support Pakistan. First, Pakistan is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Second, Pakistanis are a resilient people with a strong sense of national identity. Third, Pakistan has a lot of potential for economic growth.

Overseas Pakistanis can play a major role in helping Pakistan to achieve its full potential. They can invest in Pakistan, start businesses, and send their children to Pakistani schools. They can also use their voices to promote Pakistan’s interests abroad.

I urge all overseas Pakistanis to continue to support Pakistan, even with their grievances. We are all in this together. Together, we can build a better future for Pakistan.

There are reasons for diaspora to be aggrieved but there are some reasons why Pakistan should remain the priority of overseas Pakistanis:

Family ties: Many overseas Pakistanis have close family ties to Pakistan. They may have parents, siblings, children, or other relatives who live in Pakistan. They may also have a strong sense of community in Pakistan, and they may feel a responsibility to help their fellow Pakistanis.

Cultural ties: Overseas Pakistanis are often proud of their Pakistani culture and heritage. They may speak the language, eat the food, and celebrate the holidays of their homeland. They may also feel a strong connection to their fellow Pakistanis, regardless of where they live.

Economic opportunities: Pakistan is a developing country with a growing economy. There are many opportunities for overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan, start businesses, or find employment.

National pride: Overseas Pakistanis are often proud of their Pakistani nationality. They may feel a sense of duty to help Pakistan succeed, and they may want to contribute to the country’s development.

As Dr. Athar Malik, a former ambassador to the United States, said, “The diaspora is a bridge between Pakistan and the world. They can help us to promote Pakistan’s image abroad and to attract investment to Pakistan. We need to do more to engage with the diaspora and to build on their support.”  

Overseas Pakistanis can play a vital role in the development of Pakistan. They can send remittances, invest in the country, and promote Pakistan’s culture and values abroad. They can also help to build bridges between Pakistan and the world. By remaining committed to Pakistan, the diaspora can help to make Pakistan a more prosperous and peaceful country. 

Umar Moiz
The author is a peace activist with masters in security studies from University of London, currently pursuing his PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies.
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