First Pakistani in Kėdainiai: Speaks Lithuanian, saves lives, and debunks myths

Masroor, a Pakistani national, has found a new home in Lithuania over the past decade, challenging stereotypes and building a fulfilling life. He arrived in Lithuania 10 years ago at the age of 25, initially pursuing dental technician studies before realizing his desire for more human interaction. A friend's suggestion led him to Lithuania, a country vastly different from his densely populated hometown in Pakistan.

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I am from Pakistan, where I completed my dental technician studies. However, after a year of work, I realized I wanted more interaction with people. Then a friend told me about Lithuania and suggested we come here together to study. So, 10 years ago, at the age of 25, I found myself in Lithuania.

His first impression of Lithuania involved a "culture shock," particularly due to the colder October weather compared to his native land's warmth and the smaller scale of towns. However, Masroor adapted rapidly, falling in love with the country's educational system, work opportunities, environment, and nature within just a month. He now considers Lithuania his home, feeling like a guest only when he visits Pakistan.

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From the beginning, there was a bit of a shock. Where I come from, there are many people – a small town is considered one with about 400,000 inhabitants. I was also surprised by the weather, as it's warm in my homeland, and I arrived in Lithuania in October when it was quite cold.

Masroor pursued higher education in Lithuania, specializing in Emergency Medical Care and General Practice Nursing, later earning a Master's degree in Advanced Practice Nursing and currently pursuing a doctorate. He met his wife while studying, and they now have three children. His career path includes working at Kėdainiai Hospital and Kaunas Clinics, and he also lectures at SMK University of Applied Sciences.

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Now it is my home. And I only feel like a guest when I visit my native Pakistan.

Despite the common perception that regional towns might be less welcoming to foreigners, Masroor's experience in Kėdainiai, where he worked for five years, was overwhelmingly positive. He was often met with curiosity and warmth from patients who expressed appreciation for his presence and willingness to work in a town facing a youth exodus. His fluency in Lithuanian further endeared him to the locals, who praised his efforts to learn the language. Masroor now encourages his students not to fear working in regions outside the major cities.

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Foreigners often think that if it's a region, it will be bad. But my experience shows the complete opposite. In Kėdainiai, where I worked for five years, everyone was satisfied with me.