Before I left Germany, a reintegration counsellor put me in touch with the PGFRC team in Lahore. We spoke over a video call about the opportunities I would have after returning to Pakistan. I was keen to become self-employed, so the PGFRC told me about the different business opportunities available. After several conversations, I decided to work as a driver for the Pakistani transport service Careem. Various programmes and organisations helped me with my travel arrangements or gave me financial assistance. I finally arrived back in Pakistan in December 2020.

I work under my own conditions

I went to visit the PGFRC in Lahore after I got back, and went to a lot of individual counselling sessions. I completed a business development training course as well as a training scheme to improve my commercial skills. This helped me learn how to best use my time and my skills. I learned about ways to increase my income. I also took part in a training course about how to grow a business, and I was given a helmet and a motorbike. Starting as a driver at Careem meant that I needed my own motorbike. Now I have a regular income, and at the same time I have flexible working hours. The tips I got from the training courses have inspired me to always be on the lookout for new opportunities to use my motorbike to provide additional delivery services.

Always be confident

I was very worried when I decided to leave Germany, because I didn’t know what kind of future I would have in Pakistan. I was afraid it would be difficult to support my family. But now I’m grateful for the help and advice I got from the PGFRC. And I’m proud to be financially independent. I’m still in touch with the team of advisors at the PGFRC. We regularly chat about how I can develop both myself and my business. My tip is to believe in yourself and be confident!

As of: 02/2022