Impact of Pakistani Diaspora on Pakistani Society
The significance of their Social, Economic and Political engagement
(Nov 10, 2024)
Scope of the Dialogue
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Most people of Pakistani origin, including the younger generation born and bred in the West, identify themselves with Pakistan. Social media has empowered them to follow and be involved in the country's day-to-day affairs.
How are their activities perceived in Pakistan? Are they contributing to freedom of speech and establishing an open and tolerant society? How much influence do they have in driving a change?
This Online Dialogue with a carefully selected panel was designed to discuss the impact of Pakistani youth in the West on Pakistani society and its short and long-term consequences.
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The Report:
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Overseas Progressive Pakistanis (OPP) Netherlands organised an insightful Online Dialogue to explore the evolving role and impact of the Pakistani diaspora on its country of origin. An esteemed panel featured four exceptional individuals representing various segments of society. Their contributions illuminated different facets of diaspora engagement, namely culture, healthcare, economy and social media.
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OPP outlined the topic's scope, explaining that the diaspora is not a homogenous group but consists of different segments with different levels of engagement. OPP also presented relevant statistics regarding the diaspora and its impact on Pakistan.
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The panel included Dr Morgahi, a cultural anthropologist. He started by analyzing the dual nature of diaspora-driven engagement. He then discussed the role of traditional organised groups, such as Pakistani cultural and literary societies. Finally, he highlighted modern social media movements like diaspora-led campaigns against human rights violations in Pakistan, which have garnered global attention and support.
He noted how traditional religious groups often wield significant influence, especially through transnational networks, even extending their reach into Pakistani households via digital platforms. He expressed concern over the rising conservatism among some diaspora groups, which often hinders the growth of liberal democratic values in their homeland.
Dr Shaheryar Mir, a Pediatric Oncologist and second-generation Pakistani in The Netherlands brought a personal perspective to the discussion. His experiences navigating bi-cultural identity resonated with broader challenges faced by second-generation immigrants, such as reconciling cultural expectations with his aspirations and combating stereotypes in both host and home countries. He recalled how he initially distanced himself from his Pakistani heritage during his youth. Over time, he rediscovered its value, particularly in understanding patients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Dr Mir shed light on the alarming state of healthcare in Pakistan. He described his efforts, alongside his wife, to establish an NGO focused on improving neonatal and pediatric care in Pakistan. However, he lamented the brain drain of highly trained professionals from Pakistan.“Pakistan’s health system is losing its brightest talents,” he said, “and we must address this imbalance.”
Naim Arif, a management consultant specializing in governance, provided a critical analysis of Pakistan’s political infrastructure. He dissected the essential elements of democratic governance, free and fair elections, a free press, and separation of powers and highlighted their systemic failures in Pakistan.
Mr Arif argued that the diaspora’s potential to influence governance reforms in Pakistan is undermined by deep-rooted corruption and entrenched political dynasties. He cited the example of failed electoral reforms in recent years, where despite diaspora-led advocacy for transparency, systemic resistance from political elites has prevented meaningful change. Despite this, he praised the diaspora’s efforts in lobbying international institutions and engaging in philanthropic activities, emphasizing the importance of sustained advocacy.
Mudassar Shah, an IT engineer and Activist, provided a compelling narrative on the challenges faced by marginalised communities in Pakistan. Drawing from his personal experiences, Mr Shah critiqued the misuse of blasphemy laws, which disproportionately target the economically disadvantaged.
He also addressed the dichotomy within the diaspora itself, pointing out that many enjoy freedoms in the West but oppose similar liberties in Pakistan. “We have a duty to advocate for the same rights in Pakistan that we cherish abroad,” he urged. His call for greater diaspora engagement in human rights advocacy resonated strongly with the audience.
The opening remarks by the panellists were followed by an open discussion and a lively Q&A session. Several participants raised critical issues such as the role of social media in spreading misinformation, the ethical responsibilities of the diaspora, and strategies for bridging cultural divides.
One audience member questioned why the diaspora’s advocacy often fails to translate into tangible change in Pakistan. Mr Arif responded by stressing the importance of collective action and long-term commitment, while Mr Shah called for a re-evaluation of societal norms that perpetuate exclusion and inequality.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad shared profound insights into the socio-political dynamics of the diaspora. He highlighted parallels with the Pakistani diaspora, particularly in how historical displacement and identity preservation have shaped their engagement with both their host countries and Pakistan.
“The diaspora is often a captive of Pakistan’s socio-political norms rather than a transformative force,” Dr. Ahmad stated. He pointed out how the conservative values upheld by some diaspora communities reinforce systemic inequalities in Pakistan instead of challenging them. His call for inclusive representation and regional balance in diaspora dialogues resonated with many attendees.
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The session concluded with a presentation summarizing OPP’s stance on the topic. Following are some of the points covered in the presentation:
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Unified Vision - The diaspora must align their efforts to support Pakistan’s democratic and socio-economic development while respecting its cultural diversity.
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Education and Awareness - Emphasizing the importance of education, OPP urged the diaspora to invest in projects that promote critical thinking and inclusivity within Pakistani society.
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Policy Advocacy - OPP called for a structured approach to influence policies in Pakistan through international platforms and partnerships.
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Building Bridges - The need for greater collaboration between the diaspora and local communities was stressed to ensure sustainable development initiatives.
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Working in small “Expert Groups” – Forming small groups of experts, e.g. in Healthcare, Education, Human Rights, Gender Equality etc.
The presentation ended with a powerful statement: “To build a better Pakistan, we need a united diaspora that acts not just as financial contributors but as ambassadors of progressive values.”
The diaspora made a unanimous call for greater engagement and responsibility. As Dr Mir aptly stated, “Our connection to Pakistan is not just sentimental - it is a responsibility.”
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Reported by Moin Ahmed