Pakistan — Flips the Script
A reflection of my time being in Pakistan
Pakistan itself, from the little I saw, changed me more than any other country I have ever been to. Everything in Pakistan is ten times more; the mountains are higher, the food tastes different (delicious), the people are welcoming, the scarves are the real deal, the roads are massive. The largest bats I have ever seen is in Pakistan. Everything is bigger in Pakistan.
I would describe Pakistan (from the little I saw) as grand simplicity! It’s such a magical place. Everything in Pakistan is real, raw, untouched, and incredible. The beauty of Pakistan is breathtaking and yet, many don’t consider Pakistan as travel destination. Pakistan should be on everyone’s travel list — it has so much to offer.
That’s not to say Pakistan doesn’t have its problems. Every country has its problems UK, US, and any other European country; that doesn’t stop us from going there, does it? It shouldn’t stop us from going to Pakistan either because it has its bunch of issues.
Money
Little money will get you far in Pakistan. What can we do with 60 euros a month in Europe? The value of 60 euros is not much in Europe but in Pakistan a LOT. A cleaner earns 60 euros a month and that’s a good salary!
I appreciate money more. Money has a different meaning to me now. We are so spoiled in the UK or, indeed, Europe. We are ok to “splash out” on a coffee and not think about the price. That coffee money in Pakistan can get you a whole bag of food shopping!
Pakistan is a rich country!
Yes, you read that right! It’s richer than the UK! It’s got amazing craftsmanship, tailors, mountains to dream of and the people to be surrounded by. It has natural resources, amazing food, and centuries of fascinating culture. The culture so diverse and fascinating that makes you want to study life in Pakistan.
It explains why the West exploits Pakistan. I won’t get political but you can read a great book called The Divide by Jason Hickel he explains the difference between Global North and The Global South context really well. It makes us understand the so called ‘poor’ countries are, in fact, the richest and teaches the West how to live and eat.
Food
I’ve learned how to eat. Imagine going through life and not know how to eat?! How on earth did this happen? People in Pakistan know how to eat! I never want to eat bland food ever again. It’s got to have a kick and a bit of spice!
People eat seasonal food here too. When I was in Pakistan back in October this year you couldn’t find any oranges or tangerines. Now, on almost every corner you’ll find someone selling tangerines or oranges. The fish here is special. I’ve learned what a real taste of the fish is because it’s fresh. Not only it’s fresh but it’s local.
Eating local, seasonal food as nature intended is the best for your body, soul and mind. The food in Pakistan is healing and it serves the body.
Clothes in Pakistan
I’ve learned how to dress. People in Pakistan know how to dress. I love what they wear, how they wear clothes! Colours and designs are spectacular! It’s like being on a red carpet every day.
The beauty of those clothes is that they are the most comfortable pieces of clothing you’ll ever wear. I, for instance, don’t want to get out of the shawar kameez! It’s not only beautiful but also comfortable. I don’t know what happened to us in the West. Why would we think a mini skirt is comfortable?
Why would we think to expose boobs is ok? Why would we think to dress like a slut is ok? Why would we think it’s ok, or indeed, acceptable for our daughters, sisters, mothers, aunts to wear revealing clothes?
Gentle Language
I’m re-thinking how I speak. People in Pakistan are so gentle in how they express themselves and the words they use. The Urdu language is beautiful. I have been studying Urdu and I love how people express themselves. It’s such a gentle, loving and full of beautiful words language.
I come from a very hard speaking language. Lithuanian language isn’t rich nor is it a gentle language. It’s more of a functional language to say what’s needed and get on with your life so to speak. It was compulsory for me to study Russian which is another hard (harsh) language, however, Russian literature is beautiful.
None of the languages I’ve known since I was a kid is a gentle way of expressing yourself. I wouldn’t call it poetic language either. However, Urdu is full of beautiful words and gentle expressions. People talk gently towards each other. I sometimes find it hard to express myself and I can be misunderstood just because of how I say things.
Does Allah exists?
I’ve learned more about Allah. People put trust in their faith a lot more than in the West from what I’ve seen. In Islam, people do the work but only Allah can grant you success. The life battle is yours but the victory is Allah’s. Even current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan recently said: “I took the precautions but Allah saved us from the disaster of coronavirus.”
Going for a walk in Margalla Hills in Islamabad is a proof of Allah! Nature, the birds, the monkeys, barking dear and leopards — if this isn’t Allah’s creation who else’s?
To me, Pakistan showed me how to really live and for that, I will always love Pakistan. I will always love Pakistan for its beauty, people, arts, nature, food and Allah.
Love and Light!
