Trip to Pakistan Challenges and Solutions

 


During my recent visit to Lahore, I visited the neighborhood where I grew up. It was amazing to see how much had changed over the past 25 years. Back then, most families had bicycles, a few had motorcycles, and air conditioning was a luxury. Today, many residents own cars, motorcycles, and ACs.

When I compare life then and now, I see huge differences. My five brothers and I grew up in a tiny 2-bedroom apartment. Each night, we added extra beds to sleep and stowed them away during the day. Our father had a bicycle for his three jobs, and our mother (God bless her) cooked in a small outdoor space. We didn’t have many material things, but we were happy, content, and connected to our neighbors. Life was simple, peaceful, and satisfying.

Fast forward 25 years: I’ve lived abroad for most of that time, and while the world has changed in many positive ways, I’ve noticed some concerning trends in Pakistan.

Observations About Modern Life in Pakistan

  1. Lack of Gratitude
    Many people are dissatisfied, even those who are well-off. Alhamdulillah (praise to Allah) is often said without meaning. People focus on what they don’t have, compare themselves to others, and rarely find peace of mind. Material wealth—cars, ACs, expensive vacations—doesn’t bring true happiness.

  2. Lack of Discipline and Patience
    People are often late, procrastinate, and live without urgency. Society expects comfort with minimal effort. This lack of discipline affects patience, respect, and daily habits, even in religious practices.

  3. Lack of Critical Thinking
    Many rely on others to make decisions for their future. People avoid learning, investing time in knowledge, or taking risks. Instead, they wait for opportunities to come to them rather than creating their own.

  4. Lack of Trust
    People either trust blindly or not at all. We often distrust fellow Pakistanis while placing trust in outsiders. True trust starts with believing in ourselves, which then allows us to trust others.

  5. Dissatisfaction
    From airport staff to service workers, I noticed a lack of pride and fulfillment in their work. People focus on what they don’t have rather than giving or contributing to others. True satisfaction comes from serving others and contributing positively to society.

  6. Focusing on Others Instead of Ourselves
    Many spend more time worrying about other people’s lives than reflecting on their own goals and purpose. Self-awareness and personal growth are often neglected.

  7. Lack of Humility
    Arrogance is widespread. People compete to show wealth and status rather than practicing kindness, humility, and service. Islam teaches equality, humility, and respect for all, but these principles are often ignored.

A Way Forward

The solution begins with changing our mindset. If everyone focuses on improving themselves, helping their families, neighbors, and communities, society as a whole will improve.

Some guiding principles:

  • Focus on your purpose and personal growth rather than comparing with others.

  • Take responsibility for your own life instead of blaming the government.

  • Practice humility, kindness, and selfless service.

  • Invest in the future—educate children, plant trees, and contribute to society, even if you won’t directly benefit.

The world has changed, and we must adapt. By prioritizing gratitude, discipline, critical thinking, trust, satisfaction, self-focus, and humility, Pakistan can build a stronger, happier, and more prosperous society.

Closing Thoughts

  • If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.

  • Leave everything and everyone better than you found.

  • Whatever your mind can believe, it can achieve.

  • The meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life is to give it away.

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