London, October 2023 — For many Pakistani families in London, the start of autumn has brought not just falling leaves but rising anxiety. With rent increases, crowded living conditions, and competition for affordable housing, the city’s Pakistani households are finding themselves stretched thin.
“I’ve lived in East London for twenty years,” said Khalida, a mother of four. “Every year the rent goes up. Now it’s nearly double from when we first moved here. It is becoming harder to manage.”
Rents on the Rise
Housing costs in London have risen sharply in recent years, and private landlords often increase rent with little warning. Sajid, who drives a minicab, explained: “We paid £1,200 for a two-bedroom flat three years ago. Now it’s £1,800. My wages haven’t changed. What can we do?”
Many families have turned to shared arrangements. “My brother’s family lives with us in the same house,” said Farzana, a teaching assistant. “Six children under one roof. It’s noisy, it’s crowded, but it’s the only way to survive.”
Strain on Children
Crowded housing often affects children’s education. “How can my son study for GCSEs when four cousins are playing in the same room?” asked Yasir, who works at a warehouse. “We want them to succeed, but the environment is tough.”
Some parents said they send their children to libraries after school just to give them quiet space. “It’s not ideal, but it helps,” Khalida added.
Council Waiting Lists
Public housing remains out of reach for many. “We’ve been on the council list for eight years,” said Parveen, who lives in Southall. “Every year they say wait longer. In the meantime, rents keep rising. How long can families wait?”
Families said the uncertainty breeds stress. “When you don’t know if you can afford next month’s rent, it takes away your peace of mind,” explained Imran, who works as a delivery driver.
Cultural Expectations and Home Life
For Pakistani families, a house is more than shelter. It is where traditions, meals, and family bonds are maintained. “A proper home means dignity,” said Rashida, a grandmother. “When children sleep on the floor because there aren’t enough rooms, it breaks the heart.”
Still, families hold onto resilience. “We share, we adjust, we make space,” said Farzana. “It’s not easy, but it keeps us together.”
Looking Forward
Despite the difficulties, parents remain hopeful. “We tell our children that one day they will have their own homes, bigger and better,” said Sajid. “That dream keeps us going. London is hard, but we came here for a reason — to give them opportunities.”
لندن میں پاکستانی خاندان بڑھتے ہوئے کرایوں اور کم جگہ کے باعث مشکلات کا شکار ہیں۔ والدین نے بتایا کہ ہر سال کرایہ بڑھ رہا ہے جبکہ آمدنی وہی ہے۔ کئی خاندان ایک ہی گھر میں مل کر رہنے پر مجبور ہیں، جس سے بچوں کی تعلیم متاثر ہوتی ہے۔ عوامی ہاؤسنگ کے انتظار کی فہرست طویل ہے اور لوگ غیر یقینی صورتحال میں زندگی گزار رہے ہیں۔ اس کے باوجود والدین پر امید ہیں کہ ان کے بچے بہتر مستقبل حاصل کریں گے۔
