Saudi Gazette report

DAMMAM — Pakistani residents have occupied a neighborhood in the heart of Al-Khobar that is said to resemble any other area in Islamabad, Makkah daily reported.



More than 15,000 Pakistani nationals are living in the neighborhood, most of whom work in private companies.



Residents in the neighborhood are a mix of Pakistani tribes and some of them are doctors, engineers, farmers, factory workers and tailors.



The core of the neighborhood revolves around a Pakistani school established 48 years ago.



A lot of Pakistanis moved near the school and the neighborhood kept expanding.



The school also accepts students of Arab and Asian nationalities and offers elementary, intermediate and secondary education, while lessons are taught in English and Urdu.



Morning and night sessions are offered at the school to accommodate the large number of students, estimated at 5,000.



A number of residents said life in the Kingdom is not much different from that in Pakistan.



Saif Ali Shah said he worked as a driver for the past 32 years and during that time he has formed good relations with his neighbors.



He noted Pakistanis enjoy a special treatment from Saudis as most of them are strict followers of Islam, reflecting on their way of living, dealing with others and respecting the law.



Shah pointed out Pakistani society in the neighborhood consists of different tribes such as the Chaudhry, Shaikh, Malik, Shah, Meer, Ansari, and Khan clans.



Sajed Hussain is a tailor who has lived in the neighborhood for the past five years.



He said Pakistani clothes have different colors and outfits for grooms usually have embroidery on the chest and sleeves.



He noted that Pakistanis are known for their hospitality and hold meals for visitors and many other occasions.



Meals are usually offered with sheep, cow or camel meat, which is served with biryani rice and other dishes like mutton curry.



Mohammad Sagheer has been an accountant at the school for the past 10 years and said marriage customs in Pakistan are similar to those in the Kingdom.