Overseas Pakistanis facts for kids

Overseas Pakistanis (Urdu: سمندر پار پاکستانی‬‎) are people of Pakistani background who live outside of Pakistan. This includes citizens who have moved to another country, as well as people born abroad whose families came from Pakistan. They are an important part of Pakistan's connection to the rest of the world.

What are Overseas Pakistanis?

Overseas Pakistanis are individuals who have made their homes in different countries around the globe. They might have moved from Pakistan for various reasons, like finding new jobs, pursuing education, or joining family members. This group also includes their children and grandchildren who were born in other countries but still have strong ties to their Pakistani heritage.

Why do people move?

People often move from their home country for many reasons. Some look for better job opportunities or a chance to earn more money to send back to their families in Pakistan. Others might move to study at universities or to join family members who are already living abroad. This movement of people helps to connect Pakistan with many cultures and countries worldwide.

Where do Overseas Pakistanis live?

Millions of Overseas Pakistanis live in different parts of the world. Many have settled in countries in the Middle East, like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, often for work. Large communities also live in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. These communities often create their own cultural centers, mosques, and businesses, helping to keep their traditions alive.

Contributions of Overseas Pakistanis

Overseas Pakistanis play a big role in both their new homes and in Pakistan. They contribute to the economies of the countries where they live through their work and businesses. They also send money back to Pakistan, which helps their families and boosts Pakistan's economy.

Cultural connections

These communities also help to share Pakistani culture with the world. They celebrate Pakistani festivals, open Pakistani restaurants, and teach their children about their heritage. This helps to build bridges between different cultures and promotes understanding. They often form groups and associations that support each other and help new arrivals settle in.

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  The New York City Metropolitan Area, including New York City, Central New Jersey, as well as Long Island in New York, is home to the largest Pakistani American population.