If you’re a Pakistani who lives abroad, these things will tug at your heartstrings.

You can take the Pakistani out of Pakistan, but you can never take Pakistan out of a Pakistani.  All foreign Pakistanis have brought the following items back home, at one point or another.  (Side note: A lot of this is available outside Pakistan as well, but you know desi mentality).

1. Flags

Or jhandiyaan.

Pakistani flags are virtually impossible to find anywhere else, so why not stock up before leaving?

2. Multani Pottery

The durability and intricate designs landed them on this list.  Just be careful to wrap them up really well, and choose to bring something that is on the lighter side, since there are these things called baggage weight regulations.

3. Ricksaw Souvenir

This decor piece looks great in any house, and often catches guests’ eyes.

4. Personalized Keychain

Since Pakistani names are not considered “common” in the Western world, a personalized key chain is a must for every visitor.

5. Stone Jewelry

Close to impossible to match jewelry with desi outfits here in the United States, so I tend to stock up on jewelry, especially jewelry that features stones found in Pakistan.

6. Embroidered Bed sheets/Comforters

No one makes bed sheets and comforters like Pakistanis.  They are always so nicely made, and often hand-made, which makes them well-sought after.

7. Peshawari Chappal

Guys need some fancy shoes to wear with shalwar kameez, since sneakers do not always look good.

8. Khussa

Girls need some fancy footwear as well.  There is a valid reason as to why Western designers are copying our traditional shoes.

9. Sindhi Ajrak

Best way to blend a unique piece into an outfit, while keeping that traditional touch.

10. Kashmiri Shawl

I have never felt any piece of fabric softer and nicer than these shawls.

11. Jinnah Cap

Come on?  Who would not want to show this off to their goray dost?

Let us know if you have done this as well in the past (foreigner or not)!

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cover image source: images.dawn.com