If you do want to committed and stay in Pakistan and not end up like majority of family after 6 month or 1 to 2 years back wherever you came from like USA, UK, Canada etc than you best option is to move in Baharia or DHA this will give you a better chance to adjust in Pakistan. In these two places you will find more cleanliness and like minded people and some comfort of life. And off course you not going to find exact comfort and cleanliness and ease of life like oversees but something you have to accept in life and accept Pakistan with many bads as Pakistan has also alots of good. Once you start giving back to your country, there is no replacement to this joy! Problem is....many Pakistani know how to use Pakistan for their benefits but never want to give back to pakistan... this goes to local pakistani as well as overseas Pakistanis!
Thank you for this perspective! Nowhere is perfect (and there are many reasons we are exploring living outside the States, because there are issues there too). Totally agree that we should give back to Pakistan, that's the only way to begin repairing decades of damage inshaAllah.
Salaam! We are looking at Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur. I know you’ve been to both, I’d love to hear your perspective on which option is best for us? For some context; Canadian born.
Wasalam! There are so many things you'd have to consider for your own personal situation (family needs, education, job, finances, where your relatives/parents/family resides, etc). As a Canadian, you'd also have to pay for healthcare now--for us coming from the States, the cheaper healthcare is a big relief lol! My part 2 video on Islamabad will be posted in a few hours, so that might be informative for you too :) But here is my very general advice: ~ Kuala Lumpur: in a nutshell, has all the modern amenities of the West, but with a beautiful Islamic environment, excellent and affordable healthcare, top-notch international schools and decent universities, REALLY good food, diverse community and significant Indian/Pakistani community (if that matters to you), and halal everywhere you go. As a woman, I didn't ever feel unsafe going out on my own either. Cons: it's pretty hot/humid year round, and while most ppl speak English, you ought to learn Bahasa Malaysia. Also, bureaucracy can be annoying. ~ Islamabad: Pros are that we speak the language, it's fairly safe (esp compared to Karachi, but my heart and relatives are all in KHI). Also super halal, and so far haven't had any interruptions in water/gas/light. Pollution is a thing like I mentioned, but the weather is much more temperate compared to SE Asia, though ofc summers get hot. Great food and even some western style bakeries/cafes. Vibe is pretty chill, borderline boring. Cons: As a woman, I can't go out on my own (although I know many women do, but I'm just not used to the city yet), not that much to do/see unless you're into nature, fewer flights come/go to ISB airport, compared to bigger cities and less shopping variety. This is my review after staying in the F-block districts of Islamabad, in the center of town. Many people also recommend checking out DHA/Bahria, the suburbs but I haven't so far. Both places have lizards, lol, but we never had one inside the apartment in KL. Another place you might consider is Indonesia. Jakarta is crowded but there are suburbs and lots of other cities to explore there too. Hope this helps, and feel free to ask other questions too. Best of luck!
Oh, I should also mention Islamabad is a lot cheaper than KL, however it isn't as developed or modern. But if you love Pakistan and you want to be near family and be able to speak the language, it's not a bad option.
@@sairathemusafir thanks so much for your reply! That was my next question. What was the cost of living difference? We are a family of 4 who live fairly modestly but eating out is definitely frequent. Thanks 🙏🏽
After u settle in Islamabad, please share your honest opinion, if it is even worth thinking about moving to Islamabad while there are so many other good options of other Muslim countries to move to from US and Canada (including Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Indo, Gulf even Morocco etc) where my wife or daughter can freely walk out alone without being harassed amd other things related to personal safety. Please share your honest opinion after a cople of months stay in Islamabad.
Will do iA!! It doesn’t seem particularly unsafe for women, just that I haven’t seen women go out alone. Someone else pointed out this might be because Desi culture is so family-centric and everyone likes to go out together, not alone? Will keep you all posted iA
I’ve spent about 6 months total in Kuala Lumpur, and I would move there in a heartbeat if I could! Lovely Muslim atmosphere, world class intl schools that also have Islamic studies, so much diversity in cultures and foods, halal everywhere. It is really hot, even by Pakistan standards though. Do visit and check it out. Are you just visiting Lahore or have you moved out of the States?
@@sairathemusafir We are like in a transit in Lahore, I have a house here as well in Bahria Town Lahore, you are welcome to come and meet with my family , I will host you In Sha ALLAH, I don’t wanna raise my kids in the US, too many social issues for children to absorb. I’m still looking for a stable Muslim country to move my family. Malaysia I have not visited yet but thinking about visiting there for a month with my family so they can see it before moving there .
@@citizenOFpeace77 We've been "in transit" for almost two years lol, but we have loved traveling the world full time alhamdulillah! Totally agree with you about raising kids outside of US, the mahaul has become very confusing for kids there. Thank you for the invite, iA would be nice to make friends in Lahore! We have family in Karachi, but of course we must come see your famous city. too :)
1) Islamabad was built in the 1960s, not the 1950s. 2) Islamabad was built as the nation's capital where government offices and foreign embassies were to be located. 3) A person's official rank determined the quality and neighborhood of his residence; people holding lower grade government jobs were given tiny houses. 4) There is no night life in Islamabad. 5) All kinds of people from all over Pakistan with no civic sense moved into Islamabad and ruined the place. 6) Filth, trash, and garbage are lying all over the place. 7) CDA is notorious for corruption and mismanagement. 8) High officials in both civilian governments and military see filthy streets everyday but have never considered cleanliness a priority. It is embarrassing, to say the least. 9) Foreign diplomats residing in Islamabad observe trash on the streets and are disgusted by it. Welcome to Pakistan, sister!
Very good to hear your impressions. One thing that would help is for the government to restrict gasoline powered motorbikes. Wasn’t very long ago when Beijing completely made a prohibition of the gas powered bikes. Overnight, just electric bikes. Even in Jakarta they are going Green. When I order Gojek motorbike taxi, I have a choice of hiring normal motorbike or electric. Think I am charged just a few more rupiah to ride on electric. Just make sure you get an air purifier inside the AirBnb. What do they have for online shopping? Lazada? Even if you have to leave it after you depart, it will be beneficial. I grew up in Los Angeles. Back in the 1960s, smog was terrible. Because of the EPA, air quality was dramatically improved. Sometimes we forget how important these regulatory bodies are.
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know the pollution was so bad there. I’ve seen the child beggars in others videos and wondered if they were enslaved or trafficked 😞 It’s funny the lizards never bother me. I try to see myself as a tough + try not to be a typical scared female by “creepy crawlies” lol. When we were in Indonesia, I was cool with the odd cockroach…but after a storm, our bathroom was full of them, like 50 and I finally caved and asked for help 😂 One of my pet peeves when traveling is when walking is not accessible. It can be dangerous walking in some citiies with the lack of safe space to walk and falling into drains or being too close to traffic. I’d assumed that Gilis Lombok would be great for walking bc there are no cars. But was surprised how inconvenient walking was in rainy season bc the dirt roads would fill with water during the storms 😂😅
Some one in America once said that " Islamabad is half the size of a certain cemetery ( naming a particular cemetery in America ) and twice as dead ". ....😂😂😂
FYI some of these Pakistani men & women travelled to Kuala Lumpur to become beggars. Honestly, I'm not exaggerating, they were caught by the authorities & are currently serving time in jail.
I moved to US 20 years ago from Lahore. I usually visit Lahore and Islamabad at least once a year. I have spent 10 years in north east ( NYC), 6 years in Midwest in 6000 sq feet house and a lavish house in west coast at the movement so I can see the difference , between different cities and neighborhoods. First of all you should never ever compare any developing nation with a developed nation. Almost every single point she is trying to make is just B.S. She has probably not visited different countries and their big capital cities. Islamabad is 100 times better than any Asian or African capital and even from many European cities ( ever far better than Paris which is really garbage place- hated my 1 week trip over there). Some neighborhoods of DC/Virginia ( just few blocks from white -house are really filthy and crime hub). Perhaps, I would only agree with her one point which is an issue of "beggars' on street which is very annoying sometimes and common in Pakistan, all due to rampant poverty. Smelling of gaanda nala was because you choose to stay at some stinky and shity place? they are not rich nation to cover any sewage place. There is really no smog or pollution in Islamabad.
I think walking around alone is okay . Its just most pakistanis always like to be with friends and family. They don't really understand wondering around alone. Although I enjoy wandering around alone because I'm from the west
Don’t disagree with you, these were my first impressions after about a week. In my most recent video, I have changed my perspective a bit about Islamabad 🙂
Oohh... pollution ? not all the times hazardous right?? U ll get use to it.. Why not just put up double masks n enjoy the beauty of Islamabad city...n don't worry too much about lizard... unless it's poisonous... anyway i love tandori mutton n chicken briani from Pakistan...best regards tu U and your beloved family from Malaysia 🎉
okay..... so looks like you have settled. first thing do your due dilligance. which in picking the house you haven't. never settle near a drain. no matter how fancy it is. isb rain drains are full of shit these days. secondly, again get ready to be fleeced by the private education/medical etc. anything government forget it. or just pray that you dont need it 3. all valid points raised. 4. expect your kids to misbehave soon if they spend time with isb brats. 5. dont go to fancy baharaia or dha. (shit places)- try to move to f10 or f11 or maybe a cleaner sector if you can afford it. and Good luck to you. you are going to need a lot of it.
Thanks for the advice! We’re in F-11 right now. Which of the F sectors do you think is best? We’re not planning to stay long term but for a few months iA
If you do want to committed and stay in Pakistan and not end up like majority of family after 6 month or 1 to 2 years back wherever you came from like USA, UK, Canada etc than you best option is to move in Baharia or DHA this will give you a better chance to adjust in Pakistan. In these two places you will find more cleanliness and like minded people and some comfort of life.
And off course you not going to find exact comfort and cleanliness and ease of life like oversees but something you have to accept in life and accept Pakistan with many bads as Pakistan has also alots of good. Once you start giving back to your country, there is no replacement to this joy!
Problem is....many Pakistani know how to use Pakistan for their benefits but never want to give back to pakistan... this goes to local pakistani as well as overseas Pakistanis!
Thank you for this perspective! Nowhere is perfect (and there are many reasons we are exploring living outside the States, because there are issues there too).
Totally agree that we should give back to Pakistan, that's the only way to begin repairing decades of damage inshaAllah.
Thank you so much always for your honesty ❤❤ love everything you post
When you say lizard; how big was it ??? ( It wasn't a house gego, was it ?? ) Thanks
Salaam! We are looking at Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur. I know you’ve been to both, I’d love to hear your perspective on which option is best for us? For some context; Canadian born.
Wasalam! There are so many things you'd have to consider for your own personal situation (family needs, education, job, finances, where your relatives/parents/family resides, etc). As a Canadian, you'd also have to pay for healthcare now--for us coming from the States, the cheaper healthcare is a big relief lol!
My part 2 video on Islamabad will be posted in a few hours, so that might be informative for you too :)
But here is my very general advice:
~ Kuala Lumpur: in a nutshell, has all the modern amenities of the West, but with a beautiful Islamic environment, excellent and affordable healthcare, top-notch international schools and decent universities, REALLY good food, diverse community and significant Indian/Pakistani community (if that matters to you), and halal everywhere you go. As a woman, I didn't ever feel unsafe going out on my own either. Cons: it's pretty hot/humid year round, and while most ppl speak English, you ought to learn Bahasa Malaysia. Also, bureaucracy can be annoying.
~ Islamabad: Pros are that we speak the language, it's fairly safe (esp compared to Karachi, but my heart and relatives are all in KHI). Also super halal, and so far haven't had any interruptions in water/gas/light. Pollution is a thing like I mentioned, but the weather is much more temperate compared to SE Asia, though ofc summers get hot. Great food and even some western style bakeries/cafes. Vibe is pretty chill, borderline boring. Cons: As a woman, I can't go out on my own (although I know many women do, but I'm just not used to the city yet), not that much to do/see unless you're into nature, fewer flights come/go to ISB airport, compared to bigger cities and less shopping variety. This is my review after staying in the F-block districts of Islamabad, in the center of town. Many people also recommend checking out DHA/Bahria, the suburbs but I haven't so far.
Both places have lizards, lol, but we never had one inside the apartment in KL.
Another place you might consider is Indonesia. Jakarta is crowded but there are suburbs and lots of other cities to explore there too. Hope this helps, and feel free to ask other questions too. Best of luck!
Oh, I should also mention Islamabad is a lot cheaper than KL, however it isn't as developed or modern. But if you love Pakistan and you want to be near family and be able to speak the language, it's not a bad option.
@@sairathemusafir thanks so much for your reply! That was my next question. What was the cost of living difference? We are a family of 4 who live fairly modestly but eating out is definitely frequent. Thanks 🙏🏽
After u settle in Islamabad, please share your honest opinion, if it is even worth thinking about moving to Islamabad while there are so many other good options of other Muslim countries to move to from US and Canada (including Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Indo, Gulf even Morocco etc) where my wife or daughter can freely walk out alone without being harassed amd other things related to personal safety.
Please share your honest opinion after a cople of months stay in Islamabad.
Will do iA!! It doesn’t seem particularly unsafe for women, just that I haven’t seen women go out alone. Someone else pointed out this might be because Desi culture is so family-centric and everyone likes to go out together, not alone? Will keep you all posted iA
FYI candles are toxic in the home
I’m also in Lahore at the moment from DC, what you think Malaysia is good for family upbringing ?
Oman and Malaysia best 💯. Acc to my knowledge
I’ve spent about 6 months total in Kuala Lumpur, and I would move there in a heartbeat if I could! Lovely Muslim atmosphere, world class intl schools that also have Islamic studies, so much diversity in cultures and foods, halal everywhere. It is really hot, even by Pakistan standards though. Do visit and check it out.
Are you just visiting Lahore or have you moved out of the States?
@@sairathemusafir We are like in a transit in Lahore, I have a house here as well in Bahria Town Lahore, you are welcome to come and meet with my family , I will host you In Sha ALLAH, I don’t wanna raise my kids in the US, too many social issues for children to absorb. I’m still looking for a stable Muslim country to move my family. Malaysia I have not visited yet but thinking about visiting there for a month with my family so they can see it before moving there .
@@citizenOFpeace77 We've been "in transit" for almost two years lol, but we have loved traveling the world full time alhamdulillah! Totally agree with you about raising kids outside of US, the mahaul has become very confusing for kids there.
Thank you for the invite, iA would be nice to make friends in Lahore! We have family in Karachi, but of course we must come see your famous city. too :)
@@sairathemusafir yes In Sha ALLAH
1) Islamabad was built in the 1960s, not the 1950s. 2) Islamabad was built as the nation's capital where government offices and foreign embassies were to be located. 3) A person's official rank determined the quality and neighborhood of his residence; people holding lower grade government jobs were given tiny houses. 4) There is no night life in Islamabad. 5) All kinds of people from all over Pakistan with no civic sense moved into Islamabad and ruined the place. 6) Filth, trash, and garbage are lying all over the place. 7) CDA is notorious for corruption and mismanagement. 8) High officials in both civilian governments and military see filthy streets everyday but have never considered cleanliness a priority. It is embarrassing, to say the least. 9) Foreign diplomats residing in Islamabad observe trash on the streets and are disgusted by it. Welcome to Pakistan, sister!
Very good to hear your impressions. One thing that would help is for the government to restrict gasoline powered motorbikes. Wasn’t very long ago when Beijing completely made a prohibition of the gas powered bikes. Overnight, just electric bikes. Even in Jakarta they are going Green. When I order Gojek motorbike taxi, I have a choice of hiring normal motorbike or electric. Think I am charged just a few more rupiah to ride on electric.
Just make sure you get an air purifier inside the AirBnb. What do they have for online shopping? Lazada? Even if you have to leave it after you depart, it will be beneficial.
I grew up in Los Angeles. Back in the 1960s, smog was terrible. Because of the EPA, air quality was dramatically improved. Sometimes we forget how important these regulatory bodies are.
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know the pollution was so bad there. I’ve seen the child beggars in others videos and wondered if they were enslaved or trafficked 😞
It’s funny the lizards never bother me. I try to see myself as a tough + try not to be a typical scared female by “creepy crawlies” lol. When we were in Indonesia, I was cool with the odd cockroach…but after a storm, our bathroom was full of them, like 50 and I finally caved and asked for help 😂 One of my pet peeves when traveling is when walking is not accessible. It can be dangerous walking in some citiies with the lack of safe space to walk and falling into drains or being too close to traffic. I’d assumed that Gilis Lombok would be great for walking bc there are no cars. But was surprised how inconvenient walking was in rainy season bc the dirt roads would fill with water during the storms 😂😅
Lombok is on my list of places to visit, so thanks for the tip about the rain!
I am 💯 a typical scared female, no apologies 😅
Are there house geckos in malaysia?
@@nomorenews yep. Geckos, massive cockroaches, ants big and small, huge spiders, you name it. It's a very biodiverse country.
Some one in America once said that " Islamabad is half the size of a certain cemetery ( naming a particular cemetery in America ) and twice as dead ". ....😂😂😂
You'll be used to it....don't worry, but it'll take some time. Just try to adjust yourself with your ppl.
FYI some of these Pakistani men & women travelled to Kuala Lumpur to become beggars. Honestly, I'm not exaggerating, they were caught by the authorities & are currently serving time in jail.
That’s so unfortunate. It’s really sad, but the few beggars I did see in KL looked South Asian/desi.
they not pakistani.. in fact pakistan not really a poor country. Most pakistani men that come here working in proper job.
I moved to US 20 years ago from Lahore. I usually visit Lahore and Islamabad at least once a year. I have spent 10 years in north east ( NYC), 6 years in Midwest in 6000 sq feet house and a lavish house in west coast at the movement so I can see the difference , between different cities and neighborhoods. First of all you should never ever compare any developing nation with a developed nation. Almost every single point she is trying to make is just B.S. She has probably not visited different countries and their big capital cities. Islamabad is 100 times better than any Asian or African capital and even from many European cities ( ever far better than Paris which is really garbage place- hated my 1 week trip over there). Some neighborhoods of DC/Virginia ( just few blocks from white -house are really filthy and crime hub). Perhaps, I would only agree with her one point which is an issue of "beggars' on street which is very annoying sometimes and common in Pakistan, all due to rampant poverty. Smelling of gaanda nala was because you choose to stay at some stinky and shity place? they are not rich nation to cover any sewage place. There is really no smog or pollution in Islamabad.
I think walking around alone is okay . Its just most pakistanis always like to be with friends and family. They don't really understand wondering around alone. Although I enjoy wandering around alone because I'm from the west
Ohh, the family-centric socializing definitely makes sense, thanks for bringing that up!
Good luck & be safe. Keeping fingers crossed
It is what it is..🤷🏻♀️
I think this is very early impression. Some of the points imo were pre concieved which just got solidified with short random experiences.
Don’t disagree with you, these were my first impressions after about a week. In my most recent video, I have changed my perspective a bit about Islamabad 🙂
You are so beautiful ❤❤
Oohh... pollution ? not all the times hazardous right?? U ll get use to it..
Why not just put up double masks n enjoy the beauty of Islamabad city...n don't worry too much about lizard... unless it's poisonous... anyway i love tandori mutton n chicken briani from Pakistan...best regards tu U and your beloved family from Malaysia 🎉
Thank you so much! Lots of love for your beautiful country!!
Noooooooooo nahiiiiiiiii not my Islamabad! F10-2!!!! Other than walking into a gold shop and walking into aunties bio!
Lol!! Sorry, I just didn't have the best experience there.
I like lizards 🦎
okay..... so looks like you have settled. first thing do your due dilligance. which in picking the house you haven't. never settle near a drain. no matter how fancy it is. isb rain drains are full of shit these days.
secondly, again get ready to be fleeced by the private education/medical etc. anything government forget it. or just pray that you dont need it
3. all valid points raised. 4. expect your kids to misbehave soon if they spend time with isb brats.
5. dont go to fancy baharaia or dha. (shit places)- try to move to f10 or f11 or maybe a cleaner sector if you can afford it.
and Good luck to you. you are going to need a lot of it.
Thanks for the advice! We’re in F-11 right now. Which of the F sectors do you think is best? We’re not planning to stay long term but for a few months iA
Have you never heard of the shit sandwich? It's where you layer negativity between 2 pieces of positivity. Try it.
I'm sure it's very tasty to you!🤣