Waqas Khan Pitafi’s Post

As a professional who has lived abroad and then made the conscious decision to return to Pakistan, I often find myself slightly surprised and disappointed by how some fellow Pakistanis, upon settling abroad, choose demeaning and disrespectful use of words for Pakistan. While I completely understand how difficult it can be to find the right career opportunities in Pakistan, especially in these challenging economic times, tough phases are part of life. What disappoints me is how quickly some of us resort to blaming Pakistan for their previous life hardships. While living in a first world country can be a lot less stressful than living in a third world country but eventually when the time goes by, life challenges remain the same in both. You still have to work hard. I chose to come back to Pakistan knowing how difficult it would be to start from scratch and establish myself, but I saw it as both a challenge and an opportunity. It was very tough initially and it still is an on going struggle but I can't blame my own country for it. Unlocking every small achievement in my professional journey in Pakistan has brought me immense joy and satisfaction knowing I earned them in midst of the all the challenges while contributing to the bigger goal of reshaping Pakistan's professional landscape. During my time living in the UK, I admired the quality of life there but also realized that this was the result of generations of hard work. The British endured their own economic hardships, especially pre-Industrial Revolution and during the world wars. However, many of their most competent minds stayed, persevered, and helped shape the country into what it is today. I wanted to be part of that change for Pakistan. No matter where we live, we cannot change our identity. We are Pakistanis first, and we should take pride in that. If we’ve moved abroad for better opportunities, we should remain humble and refrain from being disrespectful toward Pakistan. Publicly criticizing our own country reflects poorly on our culture and values. Even if our frustrations are directed at those in positions of power, we must practice presenting a more positive outlook on Pakistan, both for ourselves and for the world.

🌍✈️ Reflecting on my journey from my first business trip in 2006 to Sudan to my recent visit to Saudi Arabia this month, I'm grateful for the invaluable experiences I've gained along the way. 📸 From navigating different cultures to building global connections, business trips have taught me some key lessons: 1️⃣ Adaptability: Each new destination brings its own set of challenges, teaching me to adapt quickly and efficiently. 2️⃣ Cultural Awareness: Immersing myself in different cultures has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global dynamics. 3️⃣ Relationship Building: Business trips have reinforced the importance of forging strong relationships, both professionally and personally, across borders. 4️⃣ Problem-Solving Skills: Overcoming obstacles in unfamiliar environments has honed my problem-solving skills and taught me to think on my feet. 5️⃣ Opportunity Seizing: Every trip presents new opportunities for growth and development, reminding me to seize them with enthusiasm and determination. Grateful for the countless lessons learned and looking forward to the journeys that lie ahead! ✨ #BusinessTravel #GlobalPerspective #LifeLessons 🌟

🇨🇦 🇨🇦 On Monday, July 1st, Canadians will proudly celebrate their beloved Canada Day which honors the country's culture, heritage, and values. Wishing our Canadian colleagues and clients a wonderful Canada Day and long holiday weekend!    #CanadaDay #Canada #Canadians #OhCanada #LoveCanada #Canadian #FiorenteGlobal #MarketResearch #QualitativeResearch 🇨🇦

From the bustling markets of Saudi Arabia to the breathtaking mountains of Kashmir, my life has been a tapestry woven with diverse cultures, languages, and unforgettable experiences. Travelling and working across the globe, from Italy to the Middle East, has not only broadened my horizons but also fundamentally shaped how I approach life and business today. One of the most transformative moments in my life was stepping off a plane in Saudi Arabia to start a new chapter as a single woman teaching at a university. It wasn’t just about the professional opportunity—it was about embracing the unknown, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and challenging myself in ways I never thought possible. This bold move taught me that real growth comes from taking risks and that the path to success is often found in the most unexpected places. These global experiences have deeply influenced my mission: to empower others to break free from their own limitations, whether they are cultural, financial, or self-imposed. When I eventually returned to the UK and joined **Utility Warehouse**, it was with this same spirit of adventure and empowerment that had guided me throughout my travels. **Utility Warehouse** isn't just about saving on utilities; it's about creating opportunities for people to achieve financial freedom and independence. It’s about showing others that, just like exploring a new country or culture, stepping into a new business venture can lead to incredible personal growth and unexpected rewards. Travel has taught me that the world is full of possibilities, and those possibilities are open to everyone—if they are willing to take that first step. Whether it's navigating the intricate alleys of a Turkish bazaar or mentoring someone to succeed in their own business, the principles remain the same: be open to learning, embrace challenges, and always aim to help others along the way. I want to help others do things that scare them and then help and support them as they learn new skills and take those first steps towards a new goal or vision. #ThoughtLeadership #GlobalExperiences #Empowerment #FinancialFreedom

𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗱: 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀✨ My first trip to Pakistan in 2006 was anything but ordinary. As a solo female traveller, I ventured into a country far off the tourist radar. At the time, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵 labelled it “the world’s most dangerous country.” While this description made me pause, it also ignited my curiosity and determination to step outside my comfort zone. The real challenge hit in Doha, just before boarding my connecting flight to Islamabad, when I realised I would be the only Westerner on the flight. Questioning if my Pakistan trip was after all such a good idea, almost made me turn back, but I pressed on, relying on the careful planning and risk assessment I had made before embarking on this journey.   What left the deepest impression wasn’t my initial apprehension – it was the people of Pakistan. From holding the hand of a shy little girl in Lahore to being welcomed into homes and building lasting friendships, I learned that human connection transcends cultural barriers. With fewer tourists around at the time, I was able to engage more deeply with Pakistan’s rich culture and its people. My studies in intercultural communication became lived experiences, as I learned that openness, curiosity, and kindness are the true bridges across cultural gaps. Though English was a helpful tool, it was the mutual willingness to connect that really made a difference. What started as a daunting leap became a journey rich with insights. Each encounter taught me how to navigate cultural differences in values, beliefs, and behaviours – skills that are not only essential in travel, but also in working with diverse, international teams. These lessons continue to be invaluable in both my personal and professional life. As Jimi Hendrix once said, “Hello and goodbye, until we meet again.” Over the years, returning to Pakistan has reinforced the power of pushing personal limits and embracing the unknown. Sometimes, taking a bold step opens the door to incredible rewards, leading to growth and transformation, whether in travel or professional life. #Pakistan #GlobalFriendships #InterculturalCommunication

Will everything get better by leaving Pakistan? Can we truly experience freedom by living abroad? Can a person be happy without their family? Is living alone feasible, and what challenges can one face? Watch this video for more insights. #pakistan #motivation #shaykhatifahmed #lifeabroad #familyvalues #shaykhatif #lifechoices #family #alone #zindagi

Will everything get better by leaving Pakistan? Can we truly experience freedom by living abroad? Can a person be happy without their family? Is living alone feasible, and what challenges can one face? Watch this video for more insights. #pakistan #motivation #shaykhatifahmed #lifeabroad #familyvalues #shaykhatif #lifechoices #family #alone #zindagi

South Africa's Top Destination Searches United Kingdom - 9.48% Australia - 6.88% United States - 6.48% United Arab Emirates - 6.47% Netherlands - 5.02% Canada - 3.95% Ireland - 3.47% New Zealand - 3.27% China - 2.86% Germany - 2.71% Portugal - 2.02% Spain - 2.02% Indonesia - 1.97% Thailand - 1.95% France - 1.57% Italy - 1.53% Turkey - 1.45% South Korea - 1.39% Japan - 1.39% Switzerland - 1.33%

"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲" 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗔 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝘁 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮 The recent Indian movie and its hype across the country shadow the conditions of labor in Saudi Arabia, which otherwise has been a blessing to millions of expatriates, including myself. While isolated incidents hog headlines in the media, what needs mentioning is the positive impact Saudi Arabia has on the scores of families back home. Saudi Arabia has played a very important role in my future. It opened up opportunities to work with some of the leading organizations in the world and alongside brilliant professionals from diverse backgrounds. This increased not only my professional worth but also brought with it a compensation package that I could never have thought of while practicing in my home country. Indeed, Saudi Arabia is a land of opportunities. Please remember, a few experiences cannot define any country's line; demoralizing any country like Saudi Arabia with this kind of one-sided story will only defame a country's name which has been life to millions of people. It is a movie that really needs a second thought because biased views can be spread from here, which is not in the best interest of most expatriates like myself who feel grateful and indebted to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia also tops the list of contributors of remittances to countries like Pakistan and India, where literally innumerable families survive on these. The mischief of some filmmakers, who only aim at box office return irrespective of factual positions, upsets me. Of course, there is room for improvement and the Ministry of Labor is still working on how to make better labor laws and workers' interest. But let us please not forget the good that this country brings into the lives of so many people. As expatriates we must be thankful and acknowledge the opportunities we got and support we received in Saudi Arabia rather than letting a few isolated cases damage the whole picture. #ExpatLife #SaudiArabia #OpportunitiesAbroad #Gratitude #PositiveImpact #GlobalCareers #Remittances #DiverseWorkforce #LaborLaws #SaudiVision2030 #ProfessionalGrowth #CrossCulturalExperience #ExpatsInKSA #BuildingFutures #thegoatlife #indian #movies #indianmovies

🇦🇪Doing business in the Middle East during Ramadan, here is what you need to know: It started yesterday here in Dubai. 🌙Ramadan is a holy month here in the region and the primary act of worship is fasting. 🌅This means they don't eat or drink water from dawn until sunset. Fasting helps Muslims develop self-discipline and a closer connection to God. So if you are planning to close a deal, sign a contract, or get a job, it most likely won't happen until Ramadan is over, which this year finishes on the 21st of April. It is important to be compassionate and empathetic towards their tradition and understand that fasting fatigue can impact decision-making and productivity. 🍴Avoid scheduling meetings during iftar (iftar is the breaking of the fast)It is important to respect their culture and religious practices during this time. ❌Although Dubai is very open minded and most restaurants are now open (when I studied my MBA in Dubai back in 2012 everything was closed!) but now everything is open because there are many non-muslims, however, it is important to have cultural sensitivity and avoid eating, drinking or smoking in front of your Muslim colleagues. 🕐The majority of places have adjusted business hours with shorter work days and different schedules for meals and prayer time. My daughter school starts now 1 hour late for example and I got many messages of other activities changing their schedule so check before your house! 🌎Be a good citizen of the world and support your Muslim friends during this period, same as they say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to us, now you can write "Ramadan Kareem" to your Muslim friends, clients or business partners. With that being said I wish you all a: 🌙RAMADAM KAREEM! ✨ Meaning have a blessed Ramadam spiritual month. --> To my Muslim friends please let us know what you want the rest of the world to know about this period. #ramadamkareem #doingbusiness #uae #dubai #culturalsensitivity #citizensoftheworld