Glasgow, November 2023 — In the south side of Glasgow, where takeaways, mosques, and corner shops stand alongside Victorian terraces, young Pakistanis are shaping what it means to belong in Scotland today.
“I feel Scottish first, but my roots are Pakistani,” said Nabeel, a 19-year-old college student. “When people hear my accent, they know I’m Glaswegian. But at home it’s still samosas and cricket on TV.”
Growing Up Between Two Worlds
Many described the balance of being raised in families deeply tied to Pakistani traditions while moving confidently through Scottish life. “At school I’m just another kid from Glasgow,” said Sana, who is preparing for her Highers. “But when I go home, my mum expects me to help in the kitchen and speak Urdu. It’s two different worlds, but I think it makes us stronger.”
Others said the mix sometimes feels confusing. “You go to football with your mates, then come home and it’s all about cousins, weddings, family gatherings,” explained Haris, a 21-year-old apprentice. “You end up switching identities depending on where you are.”
Finding a Voice in Community
Glasgow’s Pakistani community is one of the oldest in the UK, with roots in the 1950s and 1960s. Young people say they are building on that history while creating their own spaces. “We organise open mic nights, football tournaments, even study circles,” said Amina, a medical student. “It helps to show we’re more than stereotypes — we’re part of this city.”
For some, involvement in community work is about giving back. “My dad drove buses for 30 years,” said Imran, a law student. “Now I volunteer at the youth club. It’s about showing respect for what our parents built, but also making something of our own.”
Challenges and Stereotypes
Young Pakistanis in Glasgow still encounter prejudice, though many say it has changed over time. “When I was younger, people would say things about my skin colour,” recalled Sana. “Now it’s more subtle — like assumptions about what I eat or what I believe. But I push back. This is my home.”
Others said that in Scotland, solidarity often comes through football. “If you support Celtic or Rangers, people see you through that first,” Haris laughed. “Then they realise you’re Pakistani afterwards.”
Looking Ahead
For most, the sense of belonging comes not from choosing between identities but embracing both. “I’m proud to be Pakistani and I’m proud to be Glaswegian,” said Amina. “It doesn’t have to be either-or. Our generation is proving that.”
As the young voices of Glasgow continue to grow louder, one message is clear: they are not guests, but part of Scotland’s story.
گلاسگو میں پاکستانی نوجوان اپنی شناخت اور تعلق کے بارے میں کھل کر بات کر رہے ہیں۔ ان کا کہنا ہے کہ وہ اسکول اور دوستوں کے ساتھ سکاٹش شناخت رکھتے ہیں لیکن گھروں میں پاکستانی روایات کے ساتھ جڑے رہتے ہیں۔ کمیونٹی سرگرمیوں، فٹبال اور رضاکارانہ کام کے ذریعے یہ نئی نسل اپنی جگہ مضبوطی سے بنا رہی ہے۔ نوجوان کہتے ہیں کہ وہ دونوں شناختوں کو فخر کے ساتھ اپناتے ہیں — پاکستانی بھی اور سکاٹش بھی۔
