The Pakistani Diaspora in North America

Abstract

The Pakistani Diaspora in North America is both young and new, therefore, there is lack of systemic study on Pakistani immigrants flow into North America and their characteristics. In this backdrop, the paper looks at the engagement of the Pakistani-North Americans in the countries of origin and destination while existing in transnational spaces. Governments are looking for avenues to increase their collaboration with diaspora communities. This interest is not only limited to economic sphere but also encompasses a range of other resources that can be mobilized through transnational and other networks for mutual benefit. This paper also highlights that Canada’s officially multicultural environment appears less inclusive for diaspora communities in socioeconomic terms than assimilationist America. There are, however, studies on Muslims or South Asians (mostly Indians) in America from which insights and parallels can be drawn. While the interest in the diaspora and their links to home countries have been reiterated in international debates and discussions, they are central to the development discourse of Pakistan, given the critical role they have played through remittances sent back to Pakistan.