Pakistani immigrants should not compromise their culture and identity to fit in with their new country, and they should infuse the local populations with some of the best aspects of the culture they bring with them. Well-known columnist Baig Raj said continuing with the culture and traditions is the best choice for Pakistanis settling abroad.
Speaking to prominent Pakistanis living in Melbourne at a ceremony held in his honour, he said that immigrants usually embrace the educational and occupational opportunities in their new country so that they and their children can succeed there.
However, he added that they should maintain their religion, keep their customs, identity, and traditions, and transfer them to their children.
Pakistani immigrants prefer to live in a community of other immigrants from the same country, which will help them learn how to navigate the new country. Their social life may revolve around people from the old country.
He said that generally, the third generation fully integrates into the new country. They may no longer speak their grandparents’ language and sometimes follow their grandparents’ faith. Still, many of them appreciate their ancestors’ sacrifices to bring the family to a new country.
Baig Raj stressed that the real future of overseas Pakistanis is their children and grandchildren. The future could not be better if the new generations become indifferent to their ancestors.
Baig Raj, currently in Australia on a private visit for the Recognize Pakistan campaign, said the Australian government encourages community culture.
Pakistanis should maintain their Australian identity as well as their Pakistani identity, just like the Sikhs, Turkish and Arab communities maintain their identity in the new countries.
He said that the Pakistani community in Australia is educated and very patriotic. They need to increase their influence in society, and the useful trends here should be transferred to Pakistani society.
He underlined that Pakistan’s better family system should be introduced as a model for Australian society and that instead of competition, we should work together for better results.
He noted that there is no immediate threat of Islam phobia in Australia, but to avoid any possible problem, Muslims, especially Pakistanis, should strive for social harmony.
Eminent personalities of the Pakistani community, including Mr Engineer Manzoor Mian, Dr Majid Naeem Gondal, Mr Rafiq Shakir, Mr Khurram Malik and Mr Sahir Sujeel Khan, were present at the occasion.