In early 2024, Adeel Khan, a skilled Pakistani engineer, believed he had secured his dream role at a multinational firm in Dubai. After successfully clearing technical assessments and interviews, the process appeared complete. However, just days before his visa was approved, the company abruptly rescinded the offer without explanation. “They never said it outright,” Adeel recalls, “but I could feel it. They were avoiding hiring Pakistanis.”
Adeel’s experience is not an anomaly. It reflects a troubling pattern. The actions of a small minority, from beggars in the Gulf to political agitators in the West, are distorting the image of Pakistan’s diaspora. Despite decades of meaningful contributions to global economies, a few bad actors have hijacked the narrative, casting a shadow over millions of law-abiding, high-performing Pakistanis. These misrepresentations affect everything from visa approvals to job prospects and are often amplified by sensationalist media and viral social media content, leaving little space for the truth.
The digital ecosystem of our era allows misinformation to outpace factual information at alarming speeds. Viral clips, manipulated news stories, and misleading headlines can achieve global reach within minutes, establishing dominant narratives before any response becomes possible. Symbolic representations emerge from isolated incidents, such as footage of Pakistani beggars in the UAE or confrontational protests in foreign countries. Corrections typically arrive later, with less impact, and rarely gain comparable attention. This dynamic creates a severely distorted perception of the Pakistani diaspora.
PTI-led protests in cities like London and Washington, D.C., have triggered visible restlessness in host countries, especially when demonstrations disrupt public spaces or lead to confrontations. Although these incidents involve only a fraction of the diaspora, they often become the defining image, reinforcing negative perceptions of Pakistanis abroad and overshadowing the contributions of the majority.
Western media has played a pivotal role in shaping these perceptions. While protests by other diaspora groups are often celebrated as democratic expression, Pakistani demonstrations are disproportionately associated with instability. Outlets like the BBC and Financial Times frequently blur the line between peaceful protest and disruption, reinforcing bias rather than providing balance. Over time, these portrayals compound, fueling a broader narrative that Pakistanis abroad are unpredictable or problematic.
These stereotypes carry real-world consequences. According to Gallup Pakistan’s analysis of Schengen visa data, Pakistan had a staggering 52% visa rejection rate in 2023, the second highest among major applicant countries. Employers in the UAE quietly implement stricter policies for Pakistani applicants, citing concerns rooted more in perception than fact. Even highly skilled professionals are being sidelined, not because of qualifications, but because of nationality.
The challenge is not limited to the West or the Gulf; it also plays out in South Asia’s largest labor market. Labor migration has become increasingly difficult in Saudi Arabia, home to one of the largest Pakistani expatriate communities. Reforms under initiatives like Saudization, meant to prioritize local employment, have intensified the squeeze on foreign workers. While such policies affect all migrants, Pakistanis bear a disproportionate burden due to their visibility in specific sectors like construction and low-wage labor. The issue is not just regulation; it is reputation.
And that reputation is being weaponized. Politicians use negative stereotypes to justify tighter immigration controls. Corporations cite “risk” as a reason to limit Pakistani hires. Media platforms chase clicks by amplifying the most sensational stories. In every case, powerful institutions find utility in the misrepresentation. The human cost? A talented, diverse diaspora being boxed into a narrative it did not write.
That is only one side of the story, not the most important one.
Across healthcare, technology, academia, and the arts, Pakistanis are not only participating but also leading. In healthcare, Pakistani doctors are integral to systems like the UK’s NHS and hospitals across the Gulf and the U.S. Professionals like Dr. Naeem Qasuri, a pioneer in European cancer treatment, and organizations like APPNA in the U.S. demonstrate excellence and commitment to service. In tech, startups like Safepay are transforming digital payments in emerging markets, while engineers like Areeba Kamal at Microsoft are shaping global AI ethics standards.
In academia, Dr. Asim Khwaja at Harvard is a global leader in development economics, and Pakistani scholars lead departments in top-tier universities across North America and Europe. In the creative world, Rashid Rana and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy have redefined Pakistan’s global artistic presence. In philanthropy, figures like Shiza Shahid, co-founder of the Malala Fund, show how Pakistanis are investing in education, equality, and opportunity worldwide. These are not exceptions. They represent a global community that is innovative, resilient, and deeply engaged in improving the world. Public figures like British boxer Amir Khan have also used their platforms to support charitable initiatives and promote a positive image of Pakistan globally.
Yet the world rarely hears about them.
Pakistan’s diaspora is shaping industries, saving lives, and driving innovation across the globe. Yet these stories rarely break through the noise. To change that, Pakistan’s institutions and media must actively champion diaspora achievements. They need to build platforms that spotlight success and push back against bias. Countries like India and the Philippines have earned global recognition for their migrant communities through strategic outreach. Pakistan must do the same, not out of necessity but of pride.
At the same time, the diaspora must own its voice. Rather than reacting defensively to misrepresentation, it must lead with proof, highlighting real impact, success, and integrity across the globe. Narrative shifts don’t happen overnight. But they start with truth, repetition, and confidence. Pakistanis are not a burden. They are a force for good, driving innovation, supporting economies, building institutions, and giving back to the world. It is time for the global lens to adjust to that reality.
About the author
Julia Hartman is a seasoned journalist with a Doctorate in Policy Studies. Her work contributes to understanding and navigating contemporary issues in governance, media integrity, and public policy.
