I am a british born muslim from north london and moved with my wife and kids 3 years ago to Islamabad. I have the same feelings as your having about the future of our kids. But everytime I have this mind vs heart debate, the conclusion is always to carry on living in Pakistan and do whatever we can to improve this muslim country. Allah will help us iA and He has opened so many doors for us here than we could imagine back in UK. In Pakistan, our kids might grow up to have some financial struggle, finding a decent job etc etc. but in the west they will grow up either struggling to identify as a muslim or if they do stay firm on the deen then will struggle with islamophobia. Europe overall is also leaning towards a far-right anti islamic agenda. it's not a black and white issue...... But I will continue to push through with living in Pakistan iA and will put tawakkul in Allah that He will look after our children and reward us for leaving the west and all the materialism it has to offer. Allah will help us...
@@hassanrafique What would you think about someone who will making his earning abroad (Like passive income lets same at least 2K usd/ month ). finished with his kids studies and in his early 50's someone with that kind of prep how will he do in Pakistan (Islamabad or some where in Punjab)
@@DanishKhan-fk7zv is the assumption that they will be living alone? I think this income would be sufficient for two adults to live comfortably in rental somehow in Bahria or DHA.
Dear Hassan, It is nice to see your Vlogs again. And to meet your family, including your lovely mother, who is a great source of inspiration, and recalling from previous Vlogs, your primary reason for relocating to Pakistan. You highlight serious questions about self-gratification versus the success and satisfaction of one's children. The way I see it (as a retired surgeon who has made an unsuccessful 'permanent' return journey twice!) is quite simple. You have three very bright kids, and they deserve the very best opportunities in life, in order to reach their highest potential - and to then have a choice wherever they want to live after they grow up, just like you did. So what enabled you to develop such enviable 'amphibious' abilities? The courage and sacrifices of your mother, in sending you for your UK education. So as a parent you must enable your children to do the same - acquire the very best education and skills possible, and then choose wherever they want to live after that. Now as parents, you and Nida would obviously also like to live as close as possible to your children, so you both should also remain prepared to move back to the UK when you retire, should they wish to remain there. Thereby not putting them in any emotional or moral quandaries about choosing between parental proximity versus professional progression. I am sure you have sorted out your immigration status, and hope you continue to make your voluntary NI contributions regularly from overseas to maintain your State Pension entitlements, as I had suggested in a previous comment, which is quite cheap and the best investment one could possibly make, wherever you choose to live in your own retirement.
Asalamalaikum Noor Brother Firstly thanks a lot for your encouragement and feedback, as always these are greatly appreciated. I agree with the plan that you suggest about kids going abroad for their professional careers if possible. They would be repeating the cycle we did but can settle permanently if they wish to do so. Time will tell how the global situation will be at that time and whether it will be more or less conducive such such aims. As far as NI is concerned, I checked after your earlier comment and saw that I do qualify for state pension ( I think I crossed the contribution threshold having worked there for all those years,🙂) . Thanks for your advice back then 👍
@@hassanrafique Dear Hassan, I am sure you qualify for State Pension, but you are too young to qualify for the FULL state pension, which requires 35 years of NI contributions or NI credits. The full state pension is now £221.20 per week, or over £11,500 per year, which certainly pays all my routine bills! Protected by the 'triple lock' (look it up) it is inflation and average earnings linked, so the the best investment one could possibly make. You can keep making class 2 voluntary contributions very cheaply at a mere £179.20 per year, while abroad, which keeps building up your NI contribution years, and it is a no brainer to keep doing so, because if you compare it with savings in inflation linked bonds, your return is several thousand fold, but which most people going abroad (including myself) neglected. Your wife can do the same, if she ever worked in the UK, although she should get free NI credits for looking after children until the youngest child is twelve, although I am not sure if this also applies to overseas resident mums, so best to check this out. I ended up having to buy my missed years through expensive lumpsums, so would not wish you to have to do the same in later life. Also, as we all get older, health issues become more and more important, so even though your mother seems much younger than I, it may be worth at least exploring the idea of her emigrating to the UK as well, with her - the health and disability care facilities here are the best in the world, should one ever need them, and certainly worth seriously thinking about in the migration equation.
This is a global issue regardless of whether you live in Europe or Pakistan. I can relate with you since I moved to Pakistan a year ago after spending 18 years in UK. In Europe things are relatively better in terms of law, equality etc to a certain degree on ground level (not on top level). Pakistan is going through it's worst patch in terms of law, equal rights etc in my memory. Frustration is always going to be there since you can't change the mind set of people.
@@Sarmadabbas422 yes, but the progress made in terms of awareness over the last two years , I would say is equals that since 1947...so hope is there but yes prosperity isn't coming tomorrow 😔
As always honest analysis of current situation and things to bear in mind when thinking about relocating from UK to Pakistan or visa-versa. Hope things will get better in the near future🤞
Interesting analogy; food for thought. If we treat present as a “gift”, for being alive, for being healthy, for having a beautiful family, and so many other things, it helps to keep the frustration in check.
Indeed, well said. That's why I said k being a good citizen is one of the things that's important but glad fully there are other things which can balance the frustration as you rightly said 👍
Good perspective and analysis. But unfortunately it's very unlikely for Pakistan to become prosperous like Singapore etc. Due to corrupt politicians, leaders and army generals.
I'd really like you to talk about the struggles of building a social circle when coming from abroad. I found it incredibly difficult and been here 18 months now from london.
Settling in Pakistan becomes very easy if one accepts following realities: -Pakistan is a semi dysfunctional state. -Things are not going to change much in the next 5 years atleast -Electronic & Social media are blowing things out of proportion in the race to get more views/likes. Politics has always been like this i.e establishment driven. Will remain like this in future too. Lets accept and it and be calm. -Stop making comparisons with one’s past lifestyle in the west. -Pakistan and west have different pros and cons. Apples can’t be compared with oranges. A lot of friends went back to the west for the sake of education of their kids. The goal was achieved but they lost their kids to western life and are now living a lonely life yearning for company of their kids. Religious and Cultural preservation are the biggest benefits of settling in Pakistan. For many its totally worth it to forgo western quality of life and western education for kids
Yes these are realities, but we should still strive and hope for a better Pakistan. Under the current circumstances, I was happy to concede it is better to curb the national pride and trade it off with pragmatism, but it isn't easy especially when you have experienced western democracy and seen the freedom of expression and state of economy that Indians experience...filhaal tau if we go back to pre 2022 days tab bhi ghaneemat hogi...by the way I am following all the things that you mentioned in your comment hence still present in Pakistan 🙂👍
Still not finalised yet... building one gives you the flexibility of customisation while buying an existing one saves the supervision headache... let's see 🙂
When you say come here go there but don’t mention the country’s name things don’t make sense it i guess migration is a global issue not limited to these two countries.
Sorry I should have been more clear...when I was referring to the frustration of the last two years, I meant going back to the UK and never to come back to Pakistan...I think for the other referrals I mentioned the country I was talking about 👍
I guess you are regretting you move back to Pakistan. I was about to move back too while winding things up regime change happens and now even don't want to visit Pakistan as its seems like slaveland.
I am still happy here in terms of social life etc, but as you said the circumstances are certainly discouraging...things feel a little better after 8th Feb though, but currently there is a local low after that high 🙂
biggest issue in Pakistan is our justice system. Even in Islamabad, after getting robbed, police is asking the victim to not go out because "halaat khrab hain" @@hassanrafique
Brother, I saw your video in the past. Also moved to Pakistan from Canada due to my mother, brought her to Pakistan and then she departed after 6 months. That time was awesome and Alhamdolillah I left Pakistan in March 2022. Right after that the regime change happened. My stay in Pakistan was awesome and kids including I, my wife and my mom enjoyed our time but today I ask a question that is life all about enjoyment? Everything in moderation is good and I was not working in Pakistan. Made great friends and also revived old school friends yet I will not suggest any one to move back. Kids do not say it but at times they agree because of enjoyment but we as their parents should think through the scenarios in the bigger picture. Happy citizen is a great terminology that you used. Best of luck wherever you stay and may Allah SBT Keep you Protected, Ameen.
@@siddiqze Thanks for your wish brother. I wish that you and your family also stay happy too. I didn't fully understand what you meant by departed in the context of your statement?
Settling in Pakistan is only possible if one realises the long term view of the situation. Pakistan will never give us the quality of life and material well being that is there in the west. Day to day life also has some challenges. By living in the west the religious values get seriously compromised. Kids get effected by lgbt and all such anti islam concepts. Then old age is lonely and miserable too. So its a choice between two entirely different sets with different variables. People who are unable to settle back want the best of both worlds which is just not possible at all. Despite its problems, Pakistan offers us kids we want them to be like, a strong family & social support setup, first grade citizen status, a happy and enjoyable old age lifestyle, religious freedom etc. But yes the cost is the quality of life and an enjoyable lifestyle. For me its a choice between the short term and the long term. If one chooses the long term then issues one faces in Pakistan don’t bother much.
I am a british born muslim from north london and moved with my wife and kids 3 years ago to Islamabad. I have the same feelings as your having about the future of our kids. But everytime I have this mind vs heart debate, the conclusion is always to carry on living in Pakistan and do whatever we can to improve this muslim country. Allah will help us iA and He has opened so many doors for us here than we could imagine back in UK.
In Pakistan, our kids might grow up to have some financial struggle, finding a decent job etc etc. but in the west they will grow up either struggling to identify as a muslim or if they do stay firm on the deen then will struggle with islamophobia. Europe overall is also leaning towards a far-right anti islamic agenda. it's not a black and white issue......
But I will continue to push through with living in Pakistan iA and will put tawakkul in Allah that He will look after our children and reward us for leaving the west and all the materialism it has to offer. Allah will help us...
Very well put Brother. Insha'Allah things will improve over time. We should keep doing our bit 👍👍
@@hassanrafique What would you think about someone who will making his earning abroad (Like passive income lets same at least 2K usd/ month ). finished with his kids studies and in his early 50's someone with that kind of prep how will he do in Pakistan (Islamabad or some where in Punjab)
@@DanishKhan-fk7zv is the assumption that they will be living alone? I think this income would be sufficient for two adults to live comfortably in rental somehow in Bahria or DHA.
Dear Hassan,
It is nice to see your Vlogs again. And to meet your family, including your lovely mother, who is a great source of inspiration, and recalling from previous Vlogs, your primary reason for relocating to Pakistan. You highlight serious questions about self-gratification versus the success and satisfaction of one's children. The way I see it (as a retired surgeon who has made an unsuccessful 'permanent' return journey twice!) is quite simple. You have three very bright kids, and they deserve the very best opportunities in life, in order to reach their highest potential - and to then have a choice wherever they want to live after they grow up, just like you did. So what enabled you to develop such enviable 'amphibious' abilities? The courage and sacrifices of your mother, in sending you for your UK education. So as a parent you must enable your children to do the same - acquire the very best education and skills possible, and then choose wherever they want to live after that. Now as parents, you and Nida would obviously also like to live as close as possible to your children, so you both should also remain prepared to move back to the UK when you retire, should they wish to remain there. Thereby not putting them in any emotional or moral quandaries about choosing between parental proximity versus professional progression. I am sure you have sorted out your immigration status, and hope you continue to make your voluntary NI contributions regularly from overseas to maintain your State Pension entitlements, as I had suggested in a previous comment, which is quite cheap and the best investment one could possibly make, wherever you choose to live in your own retirement.
Asalamalaikum Noor Brother
Firstly thanks a lot for your encouragement and feedback, as always these are greatly appreciated.
I agree with the plan that you suggest about kids going abroad for their professional careers if possible. They would be repeating the cycle we did but can settle permanently if they wish to do so. Time will tell how the global situation will be at that time and whether it will be more or less conducive such such aims.
As far as NI is concerned, I checked after your earlier comment and saw that I do qualify for state pension ( I think I crossed the contribution threshold having worked there for all those years,🙂) . Thanks for your advice back then 👍
@@hassanrafique Dear Hassan,
I am sure you qualify for State Pension, but you are too young to qualify for the FULL state pension, which requires 35 years of NI contributions or NI credits. The full state pension is now £221.20 per week, or over £11,500 per year, which certainly pays all my routine bills! Protected by the 'triple lock' (look it up) it is inflation and average earnings linked, so the the best investment one could possibly make. You can keep making class 2 voluntary contributions very cheaply at a mere £179.20 per year, while abroad, which keeps building up your NI contribution years, and it is a no brainer to keep doing so, because if you compare it with savings in inflation linked bonds, your return is several thousand fold, but which most people going abroad (including myself) neglected. Your wife can do the same, if she ever worked in the UK, although she should get free NI credits for looking after children until the youngest child is twelve, although I am not sure if this also applies to overseas resident mums, so best to check this out. I ended up having to buy my missed years through expensive lumpsums, so would not wish you to have to do the same in later life. Also, as we all get older, health issues become more and more important, so even though your mother seems much younger than I, it may be worth at least exploring the idea of her emigrating to the UK as well, with her - the health and disability care facilities here are the best in the world, should one ever need them, and certainly worth seriously thinking about in the migration equation.
Great Video, as always
Amphibians...interesting comparison indeed, good analysis
Such a mature analysis Hassan Bhai
Loved it❤
Thanks a lot for your appreciation 👍
Beautiful place at the background. Bahria Town is beautiful. Waiting for your 3 year review
Insha'Allah soon 🙂 👍
intresting analogy
This is a global issue regardless of whether you live in Europe or Pakistan. I can relate with you since I moved to Pakistan a year ago after spending 18 years in UK.
In Europe things are relatively better in terms of law, equality etc to a certain degree on ground level (not on top level). Pakistan is going through it's worst patch in terms of law, equal rights etc in my memory.
Frustration is always going to be there since you can't change the mind set of people.
Yes, that is true... that's why for us , the best bet is that Pakistan becomes prosperous so that we can be at peace at home 🙂
We can only hope but it won't happen anytime soon, the way things are at the moment.
@@Sarmadabbas422 yes, but the progress made in terms of awareness over the last two years , I would say is equals that since 1947...so hope is there but yes prosperity isn't coming tomorrow 😔
Agree 100%.
As always honest analysis of current situation and things to bear in mind when thinking about relocating from UK to Pakistan or visa-versa. Hope things will get better in the near future🤞
Insha'Allah Brother 👍
U r the best. Plz continue to educate us.
Thanks for your appreciation Brother 👍
Interesting analogy; food for thought.
If we treat present as a “gift”, for being alive, for being healthy, for having a beautiful family, and so many other things, it helps to keep the frustration in check.
Indeed, well said. That's why I said k being a good citizen is one of the things that's important but glad fully there are other things which can balance the frustration as you rightly said 👍
Very good analysis.
Thanks for your feedback 👍
Good perspective and analysis.
But unfortunately it's very unlikely for Pakistan to become prosperous like Singapore etc. Due to corrupt politicians, leaders and army generals.
Thanks for you appreciation. You are right that the challenges are real and grave, but still hoping for the best 👍
SAKOON SIRF KABAAR M HY. Baki ap Pakistan 🇵🇰 m raho yeh America 🇺🇸 m yeh Antarctica 🇦🇶 m tension har jaga m hy.
Yeh baat tau sach hay and I agree with it , after all there is a reason why it is called Rest In Peace 🙂.
In my opinion your mental health is more important than anything else
100% true
I'd really like you to talk about the struggles of building a social circle when coming from abroad. I found it incredibly difficult and been here 18 months now from london.
Actually in my case , I have many cousins and family in this town. Your issue certainly is interesting. How is the situation nowadays for you?
im also from london and now in islamabad.... where do yoyu live? get in touch.
🌴"رب ذوالجلال"ا
🌹 آپ کو کامیاب کریں تاحیات
تندرست، سلامت
اور شادوآباد رکهے.🌴
🌹آمين يارب العالمين🌹
Bro you really are an Amphibian.
Yes, knowledge of both worlds 😜
I was watching your background - what a beautiful place you now live 😎
Dekhne main California lag raha hay lol...but yes I like the outdoor setting of this place
Location?
@@kishwernaheed1408 Defence Villas DHA 1 Rawalpindi
I literally thought that you are going to talk about the frogs in Bahria when I saw your thumbnail😂
Lol, I can understand why...we had one enter our kitchen the other day 🤣
Settling in Pakistan becomes very easy if one accepts following realities:
-Pakistan is a semi dysfunctional state.
-Things are not going to change much in the next 5 years atleast
-Electronic & Social media are blowing things out of proportion in the race to get more views/likes. Politics has always been like this i.e establishment driven. Will remain like this in future too. Lets accept and it and be calm.
-Stop making comparisons with one’s past lifestyle in the west.
-Pakistan and west have different pros and cons. Apples can’t be compared with oranges.
A lot of friends went back to the west for the sake of education of their kids. The goal was achieved but they lost their kids to western life and are now living a lonely life yearning for company of their kids.
Religious and Cultural preservation are the biggest benefits of settling in Pakistan.
For many its totally worth it to forgo western quality of life and western education for kids
Yes these are realities, but we should still strive and hope for a better Pakistan. Under the current circumstances, I was happy to concede it is better to curb the national pride and trade it off with pragmatism, but it isn't easy especially when you have experienced western democracy and seen the freedom of expression and state of economy that Indians experience...filhaal tau if we go back to pre 2022 days tab bhi ghaneemat hogi...by the way I am following all the things that you mentioned in your comment hence still present in Pakistan 🙂👍
In which place do you live? I am also searching for a house in rwp/isl
Looks like Bahria
phase 8?
@@siddiqze
This is Defence Villas DHA1 going towards Bahria Phase 8
Bahi where is this place please tell us overseas Pakistani we also want to come back
This is defence villas in DHA 1 Rawalpindi
Is this bahria town lahore?
This is in Bahria Town Rawalpindi towards phase 8
Will you be buying a house in Pakistan or building one ?
Still not finalised yet... building one gives you the flexibility of customisation while buying an existing one saves the supervision headache... let's see 🙂
I didn't know i am an amphibian😅
Sorry Brother 🤣
When you say come here go there but don’t mention the country’s name things don’t make sense it i guess migration is a global issue not limited to these two countries.
Sorry I should have been more clear...when I was referring to the frustration of the last two years, I meant going back to the UK and never to come back to Pakistan...I think for the other referrals I mentioned the country I was talking about 👍
I've already evolved, not an amphibian anymore.
🤣🤣 👍
I guess you are regretting you move back to Pakistan. I was about to move back too while winding things up regime change happens and now even don't want to visit Pakistan as its seems like slaveland.
I am still happy here in terms of social life etc, but as you said the circumstances are certainly discouraging...things feel a little better after 8th Feb though, but currently there is a local low after that high 🙂
biggest issue in Pakistan is our justice system. Even in Islamabad, after getting robbed, police is asking the victim to not go out because "halaat khrab hain" @@hassanrafique
Brother, I saw your video in the past. Also moved to Pakistan from Canada due to my mother, brought her to Pakistan and then she departed after 6 months. That time was awesome and Alhamdolillah I left Pakistan in March 2022. Right after that the regime change happened. My stay in Pakistan was awesome and kids including I, my wife and my mom enjoyed our time but today I ask a question that is life all about enjoyment? Everything in moderation is good and I was not working in Pakistan. Made great friends and also revived old school friends yet I will not suggest any one to move back. Kids do not say it but at times they agree because of enjoyment but we as their parents should think through the scenarios in the bigger picture. Happy citizen is a great terminology that you used. Best of luck wherever you stay and may Allah SBT Keep you Protected, Ameen.
@@siddiqze Thanks for your wish brother. I wish that you and your family also stay happy too. I didn't fully understand what you meant by departed in the context of your statement?
Settling in Pakistan is only possible if one realises the long term view of the situation.
Pakistan will never give us the quality of life and material well being that is there in the west. Day to day life also has some challenges.
By living in the west the religious values get seriously compromised. Kids get effected by lgbt and all such anti islam concepts. Then old age is lonely and miserable too.
So its a choice between two entirely different sets with different variables.
People who are unable to settle back want the best of both worlds which is just not possible at all.
Despite its problems, Pakistan offers us kids we want them to be like, a strong family & social support setup, first grade citizen status, a happy and enjoyable old age lifestyle, religious freedom etc.
But yes the cost is the quality of life and an enjoyable lifestyle.
For me its a choice between the short term and the long term. If one chooses the long term then issues one faces in Pakistan don’t bother much.