Haroon Shahid shares why he chooses to stay in Pakistan

Pakistan has been facing challenging times, with social, political, and economic issues clouding the nation's future. As a result, the idea of leaving the country has become a common topic of discussion.

Pakistani musician and actor Haroon Shahid recently shared his thoughts on this matter, highlighting the privilege attached to the ability to relocate and start afresh elsewhere.

Shahid took to Twitter to recount a personal experience that prompted him to address the notion of leaving his homeland. He revealed that his twin brothers, both of whom are Australian nationals, have been encouraging him to move to Australia for the past ten years. However, Shahid has chosen to remain in Pakistan, stating that he does not feel comfortable leaving his country behind. He believes that leaving would be running away, something he has never done before.

Both my brothers, one of whom is my twin, have been urging/pleading me to shift to Australia since the past decade or so. They're both ???????? nationals and happy there but I've chosen to stay back. Dil nahi maanta, I feel I'd be running away and that I've never done! ????????❤️ There...

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) April 25, 2023

Shahid further enquired about the reasons why others, like himself, have opted to stay in Pakistan despite the current circumstances.

There are many others like me who have chosen to stay back. Why have you done so? Give me one main reason why you haven't left.

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) April 25, 2023

He received a variety of responses, but one consistent factor that emerged was the privilege associated with having the choice to leave. This privilege is not available to all, and those who can exercise it must acknowledge their good fortune.

Look, buddy, you're fortunate enough to live a comfortable life in Pakistan. There's no need to boast about it.

And you have no right to imply that people who left Pakistan somehow ran away. In fact, they took big risks to provide a better environment for their families.

— Ahmed Hussnain (@ahmedhussnain) April 26, 2023

The actor responded with "Look (not my buddy), You're the one who assumed that I implied that those who left 'ran'. In that case, I'd basically be saying that about my own family. Yes, I live a comfortable life but doesn't mean seeing others struggle makes you feel better. Har cheez pay criticism zaroori hai (is criticising everything necessary?)"

Look (not my buddy) u're the one who assumed that I implied that those who left 'ran'. In that case, I'd basically be saying that about my own family. Yes, I live a comfortable life but doesn't mean seeing others struggle makes you feel better.Har cheez pay criticism zaroori hai?

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) April 26, 2023

One Twitter user replied to Shahid's post by stating that he was lucky to live a comfortable life in Pakistan and had no right to imply that those who left the country had run away.

When you use the word ‘ran’ or that you stayed back for your country makes us, who went for a better life feel that we’ve been wrong by ‘leaving’ and ‘running’. Those who can live comfortably in Pakistan choose to do so. Those who can’t, there’s no harm in running.

— Momina Moin (@MominaMoin) April 26, 2023

 In response, Shahid clarified that he did not indicate that anyone had run away and pointed out that criticizing everything is not necessary.

Feel whatever you want to think. This wasn't about pointing fingers or suggesting my siblings fled. So please carry on thinking I told you ran away ????????‍♂️

— Haroon Shahid (@Haroon_5hahid) April 26, 2023

Responses to Haroon Shahid's query about why people choose to stay in Pakistan varied. While some dismissed the idea of leaving, others answered earnestly. One Twitter user stated that they chose to stay because Pakistan needs them, and if everyone leaves, who will remain behind to support the country? They pointed to the example of Imran Khan, who had the resources to live abroad but chose to stay in Pakistan. In their opinion, some people must stay behind to contribute to their nation's progress. 

Because Pakistan needs us. And if all leave who will stay behind? Imran Khan had 1000 reasons and resources to live abroad. But he didnt. So I guess that sums it up. Kuch ko peeche rehna hee hoga

— Tabinda Saher Khan (@tabindasaher) April 25, 2023

I lived in Australia for 6 years during my education

Great place, no doubt

But, no place like home (Pakistan)

We have to make Pakistan a livable place for us and our kids rather than going abroad to find a home in the western world where we don't really belong

— Khan (@WasK786) April 25, 2023

Another user stated that they chose to leave Pakistan for the sake of their children and their own better future. They explained that life can change unexpectedly and drastically, and it is crucial to have a backup plan. However, they also recognized that the decision to stay or leave is a personal one, and they respected those who choose to live in Pakistan, even if they could settle overseas.

For Children and own better future. You are just one incident away, which can put your life upside down. It's everyone's personal choice/decision. I made it 2 decades ago. Never regret it. I greatly respect those who choose to live in Pak, even if they can settle overseas.

— Asad (@salv98) April 25, 2023

They added that they made their decision two decades ago and have no regrets.