Many people ask us from Pakistan, “Why don’t you move back to Pakistan?” or “Do you ever plan to return?” This is a common question for many Pakistanis living abroad. In this article, I will share my personal experience and the reality of life in America vs. Pakistan—not to degrade any country, but to highlight the differences and the reasons behind my choices, or, I would say, “abrodian.” (my terms people who live abroad 🙂
1. We Miss Pakistan, But Moving Back is Not That Simple
Of course, we miss Pakistan a lot! The weddings, festivals, food, friends, and family gatherings—these things have no replacement. But when you start living in the U.S., you gradually grow apart from your people back home. Life here is so busy that attending every life event becomes impossible.
Whenever I think about moving back, the biggest thing that stops me is the work culture.
2. Work-Life Balance in the U.S. is Much Better
I worked in Pakistan for seven years, and I know how tough the work culture is there. Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and work stress are common.
- In Pakistan, I often worked until midnight and then had to deal with traffic before reaching home.
- Here in the U.S., my work is strictly 9 to 5. After 5 PM, I never have to open my laptop unless it’s an emergency.
- My personal life is more balanced, and I get more time for my family.
Going back to that stressful lifestyle in Pakistan feels very difficult after experiencing this comfort.
3. Higher Salary and Better Purchasing Power in the U.S.
Let’s be honest—most people move abroad for better salaries.
- Here, you can buy a house or a car more easily than in Pakistan.
- You don’t have to think twice before buying an iPhone, taking a trip, or making big purchases.
- Even though the cost of living is higher, the purchasing power is much better in the U.S. compared to Pakistan.
Yes, Pakistan is growing, and salaries there are increasing, but the difference in standard of living is still huge.
4. Once You Settle, Moving Back is Difficult
Many people do return to Pakistan after a few years, and that’s completely fine. But once you settle in the U.S., have kids, buy a house, and make investments, moving back is not easy.
- It’s not a decision you can make overnight.
- The government processes in the U.S. are simpler—getting loans, buying a house, or managing daily life is less complicated than in Pakistan.
If I move back, I will have to start over, and that’s not easy.
5. Clean and Efficient Public Services
One of the best things in the U.S. is the cleanliness and efficiency of public services.
- Smooth, well-maintained roads
- Less traffic congestion
- Proper waste disposal (you will hardly find people littering on the streets)
- Frequent dustbins in public places
In Pakistan, cleanliness is a big issue. Even though things are improving, the public’s mindset and government efforts need to align better.
6. No Interference in Personal Life
In Pakistan, people are often interested in others’ lives—what you are doing, what you are eating, when you are getting married, etc.
- In the U.S., no one interferes in your personal life.
- At the same time, this can feel lonely, because there’s no strong community support like in Pakistan.
- In Pakistan, your neighbors and relatives stand by you in difficult times. In the U.S., your friends and co-workers become your family.
This is something I miss about Pakistan—the warmth of social connections.
7. Free Education and Government Benefits
- Public schools in the U.S. are free and provide good education. In Pakistan, good schools are expensive.
- If you lose your job, the government provides unemployment benefits.
- During COVID-19, the U.S. government helped people with financial support, which was a huge relief.
8. Does Every Pakistani Think About Moving Back?
Yes! Every Pakistani living abroad thinks about going back home at some point. But moving back is not as simple as it seems.
Let me tell you a true story. Most overseas Pakistanis have their hearts tied to Pakistan. There’s always a desire to do something good for the country. But the reality back home makes you think ten times before going back.
Back in 2009, a few friends and I applied for immigration. One of our friends didn’t. He believed that after all his education, he should serve his own country. Years passed. We moved abroad, and he stayed, working in Pakistan.
Then, at the end of 2023, I spoke to him again. He was in Canada. Life in Pakistan had become impossible. He had a good job, even a company car. But fuel prices shot up, so he switched to a motorcycle. The government, desperate for revenue, kept raising corporate taxes. In the end, he had no choice but to leave—just like the rest of us. He needed to be somewhere he was valued.
The other points are
- You build a life in the U.S.
- You get used to the comfort and stability
- You invest time, money, and effort in settling here
Once you have kids, a home, and a career in the U.S., moving back is not an easy decision.
9. Visa and Green Card Issues
Another major reason why people stay in the U.S. is the immigration system.
- Many Pakistanis are on H-1B visas, or Students waiting for a Green Card.
- The process takes years, and they don’t want to leave before getting citizenship.
- Until you get a Green Card, nothing is permanent—your stay depends on your visa.
This makes the decision to leave even more complicated.
Final Thoughts: Will I Ever Move Back to Pakistan?
Maybe. Every Pakistani living in the U.S. misses Pakistan and wants to go back someday. But moving back is not as simple as it seems. and I mentioned that story above
- Some move back after a few years and adjust well.
- Others choose to stay for stability and career growth.
- The biggest factors are career opportunities, lifestyle, and family responsibilities.
What Do You Think?
Would you move back to Pakistan after living in the U.S.? Or do you think staying in the U.S. is a better choice? Share your thoughts in the comments!
