Beyond borders

Express Tribune

22-02-2025

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Across the world, diasporas have played an important role in shaping global economies, influencing policy, and maintaining strong cultural ties with their homelands. Whether it is the Chinese diaspora's economic influence, the Irish diaspora's political advocacy, or the Indian diaspora's role in global technology sectors, expatriate communities have repeatedly proven their significance. Similarly, the Pakistani diaspora - spread across the US, the UK, the Middle East, and beyond - has emerged as a formidable force contributing to both their host nations and their country of origin.
Multiple forms of immense contributions link to Pakistanis who live abroad. The remittances from overseas Pakistanis help improve the balance of payments situation. The Pakistani professionals together with entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable achievements through their work in technology fields, finance, medicine and academic sectors. Pakistani-origin individuals now lead globally as executives in Silicon Valley and contribute to international academic discourse while establishing themselves as global leaders.
The diaspora population also plays an essential role by building cultural links which enhance Pakistan's international reputation. The Pakistani diaspora abroad uses their financial resources to support the construction of schools and hospitals as well as social welfare projects in Pakistan. Community organisations and advocacy groups work towards improving Pakistan's relations with host countries, facilitating trade agreements, and countering negative stereotypes. In moments of crisis - be it natural disasters or political upheavals - the diaspora has stepped up, mobilising resources to support relief efforts.
However, as with other diasporas, the Pakistani community abroad is not monolithic, and internal divisions might limit its collective potential. Over time the diaspora functioned as a bridge between Pakistan and global communities yet recent years have shown a growing number of members who prefer to use their influence for partisan political conflicts. The Pakistani diaspora faces parallel challenges similar to those affecting other communities of expatriates including both the Cuban diaspora in the US and Middle Eastern expatriates.
The political involvement of the diaspora leads to both the marginalisation of broader positive diasporic actions and adverse effects on Pakistan's economic and diplomatic relationships. Countries value diaspora communities that contribute to bilateral relations, business, and development rather than those embroiled in internal strife. For example, the Chinese diaspora's strategic engagement has facilitated major economic ventures like the BRI, while the Indian diaspora's cohesion has strengthened its lobbying power in Western capitals.
In contrast, when a diaspora becomes fragmented along political lines, it loses its collective bargaining strength which diminishes its influence. Political alignments often dictate engagement, with some expatriates choosing to fund or support only specific political factions rather than national causes. This selective approach weakens the diaspora's ability to act as a unified force for progress. The lessons from successful expatriate communities worldwide emphasise unity, economic collaboration, and promotion of a positive national image. If the Pakistani diaspora can reclaim its broader mission - fostering development, enhancing global partnerships, and supporting national progress - it will reaffirm its role as one of Pakistan's greatest assets.
While political expression is a natural and inevitable aspect of any expatriate community, it should not come at the expense of national interests. A diaspora that puts progress first instead of partisanship will create a connection between Pakistan and the world which leads to sustained prosperity and worldwide respect. The challenge now is to ensure that the collective voice of Pakistanis abroad reflects ambition, innovation, and unity - rather than division and discord.