8 typically Pakistani reactions to ‘change’

Pakistan is changing for the better, we compliment people nowadays. But even now, when someone says,

“Hey! You look amazing today!”

Our reaction is: Why is this person being nice to me? Have they done something? Do they want something? Which one is it?!



You just bought a new phone. A few days later the software updates itself. It was working fine before and it’s EXACTLY the same except that it went from 2.1 to 2.1.1! Why did you do that phone?? Why didn’t you ask me first? I don’t want you to change on me like that – I just want my old software back… please!!!



The transition from being a kid to a young adult is the most exciting for us – even if NOTHING changes.

“I can ‘legally’ drive now? Yesssss!!!!”

Here’s to new beginnings!

“Bhaii, please take me to the tailor?”

“Bachay, can you please get me some sabzi from the market?”

“Adeela, can you please drive me to your khala’s?”

It doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or a boy, if you know how to drive, you’re the ghar ka designated driver. Period. So much for celebrating the change.





When your favourite transition takes place – be it a promotion at work, graduation, you achieve the weight you’ve been exercising for, or your favourite fruit drinks combine to become a superpower – you feel like a boss! The view is so much better from up here! And tastier… yum.

“Ugh! I’d like get to work aj ki tareekh main!”

There’s a protest taking place, the roads are clogged, but you know this peaceful protest is good for the country. It is the right kind of change. But you have to get to work! AHHHHHHHH!

“Aik anday wala bun-kebab dey daein.”

“Baji, burger main mayonnaise daalna hai?”

I didn’t ask for a burger did I?

I asked for a bun-kebab.

Local bun-kebabs turning into complex ridden burgers is completely unacceptable!

“Aray wah! Aaj light nahi gayi?”

“Mubarak ho! Nayi road ban gayi hai humaray ghar k saamnay!”

You’re always grateful for the little things.