Publish date: 6 August 2025
As part of South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from 18 July to 17 August, we’re highlighting stories from across the eight countries that make up the region of South Asia.
Today, we’re focusing on Pakistan - a country rich in history, culture, and tradition, with deep-rooted connections to family, faith, and food.
Our colleague Maryam shares her reflections on moving from Karachi to London, what it means to live between two cultures, and how she’s kept her heritage alive while building a new life in the UK.
Roots to Routes
By Maryam Ahmed, Admin Team Leader, Ealing & Acton Mental Health Integrated Network Teams (MINT).
I moved to London six years ago. Before that, I was living in Karachi, Pakistan, working in PR and enjoying my career after finishing my MBA in Marketing. Life was busy, comfortable, and familiar - then suddenly, I was packing my bags and stepping into a completely new chapter.
And let me tell you - going from Karachi winters (which are around 18 to 20°C) to London summers, That was a shock. I remember thinking, “If this is summer, what happens in winter?”
To make things even more interesting, shortly after I arrived, COVID hit. Everything came to a halt - career plans changed, meeting people was harder, and being far from family made things feel even more isolating. Adjusting to life here was not easy, especially with my entire support system back in Pakistan.
One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed right away was how people interact. In Pakistan, people are incredibly open - you can become best friends over a cup of chai, and neighbours do not need a reason to drop by. In London, people are polite and kind, but much more reserved. There is a strong sense of privacy, and things are a bit more structured. It is just a different way of showing care and community.
That said, people here have also been really open and welcoming. I’ve never once felt like I didn’t belong. I truly admire the level of acceptance this society has for all sorts of different cultures. London, especially, feels like a city where everyone has a place. We can learn a lot from the culture here, how well they let people integrate, while still letting them be themselves. That, to me, is the beauty of it all.
Living in Pakistan, traditions and celebrations were a huge part of daily life - especially festivals like Eid. The whole city would light up with decorations, families would gather, homes filled with laughter, and the delicious smell of special dishes would fill the air. It was about being together -sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and simply enjoying each other’s company. One of the things I remember most fondly is the excitement of getting Eidi from family - the little envelopes of money we eagerly wait for. Here in London, I try to keep those traditions alive, but it is not quite the same without my family around. Eid feels quieter; it is replaced by smaller gatherings. Those little moments—like the excitement of new clothes, collecting Eidi, being with your family and friends and, the most important thing, FOOD - are some of things I deeply miss.
Living in London, I’ve realised I carry multiple identities now. I’m deeply connected to my Pakistani roots - our language, traditions, values, and food - but I’m also learning and adapting to a whole new culture. It’s like living in two worlds at once, and in many ways, it’s made me more open and grounded.
Just a few months ago, I learned that chicken tikka masala is considered the national dish here. That genuinely made me smile. Who would’ve thought I’d move across the world and still find a piece of Karachi on the menu?
Growing up in an army family, moving around every couple of years was normal. So, the idea of change never scared me - it actually excites me. It taught me to embrace different environments, meet new people, and adapt quickly. That mind-set helped a lot when I moved here. Even though my family is miles away, the values they gave me - kindness, resilience, faith, and staying connected- are always with me. I try to keep our traditions alive in my everyday life.
At the end of the day, I’ve learned that home isn’t just one place - it’s wherever your roots and your routes come together. My journey from Karachi to London has been full of growth, challenges, and unexpected joys. And yes, I’m still cold most of the time - but at least I’ve got a proper winter coat now.
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South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), running from 18 July to 17 August, is a time to honour the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of South Asian communities across the United Kingdom (UK).