Be Pakistani,
Buy Pakistani

This could become a powerful slogan for Pakistani-Americans if they decide to practice the ideology behind the rhetoric.

Whether you like it or not, every time you buy something, you are indirectly supporting the economy of the nation where the product was produced. This should be a powerful incentive for Pak-Americans to make a real effort to buy Pakistani products wherever they are found.

Now, you may complain that there really isn't much in the market from Pakistan in the first place, whether that's clothes, food or electronics. This is not completely true. Pakistan's cotton is of the finest in the world. You will find clothing made of cotton in US department stores that were made in Pakistan.

And in terms of food, this is where you can find the most products. If you cook Pakistani cuisine in your home, you most probably have to make a regular trip to the "Asian" grocery store to pick up meat, rice and spices, right?

Well then why not make a point to buy only Pakistani basmati rice, only Pakistani spices, only Pakistani roti, etc. Sure, the products made in India are usually larger in number and more easily available, but remember that every dollar you spend, at least a fraction of it goes to the country the product was manufactured in.

Another way you can support the Pakistani economy, albeit locally, is by regularly eating at Pakistani restaurants in your area. This will serve as a boost to a Pak-American business. If the food and service are of good or better quality, pass on its business cards to family and friends. Maybe even write a restaurant review for your local newspaper inviting others to come as well.

If the restaurant is not up to par, then sit down with the owner and have an honest and polite discussion about how food and service could be improved. Promise that if he does his job, you will support him by encouraging others to come to his restaurant.

Another idea is if you're looking for a unique gift item for someone who seems to have everything, then why not give them a beautiful handmade Pakistani rug or beautiful onyx handicraft s? This will support the economy and help you buy something your family member or friend can really remember you with.

But don't stop there when it comes to buying Pakistani. Promote this concept amongst your family and friends. Encourage them to do the same. Maybe you can even come up with a list of "made in Pakistan" items at your local stores, from foodstuffs to clothing that can make their job of supporting the Pakistani economy easier.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:47:42 PM

Readers' Comment

Kim: 6/3/2005 5:55:33 AM
But if you are a Pak-American, then you aren't a Pakistani, but an American. And therefore it would be racist to support or boycott a particular business just because of the ethnicity of its owners.

Zee: 3/30/2006 12:13:06 PM
Kim, I think article was more about "remember where you come from and support if you can", and it shouldn't bother you because.... Lots of Americans prefer to buy "Made in USA" items, are they racist?? My best friend is a Jew, he buys stuff from Jews. Is he racist? No! Zee

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