VOICES From Migrations | Muhammad "Han" Waseem's story

“VOICES From Migrations” is a project co-funded by the European Union exploring untold migration stories. Muhammed “Han” Waseem moved from Pakistan to Greece in 2017. This is his story:

Muhammed “Han” Waseem | VOICES From Migrations

“I am Muhammad Waseem. Here in Greece, they call me “Han”. I live in Kranidi, Argolis. I arrived in Greece in 2017, and I am 38 years old. 

My life in Pakistan was fear, hunger… It was not good. Our house was small, just my mother, my father, an older sibling, and a younger one. I am the ‘middle one’. We went to school, but had to work too.

I came here to escape violence. One day, I was being hit and afraid I thought: ‘What is this life? How will my life be here?’ I wanted to do something, so I chose to leave everything behind.

I departed alone, but there were a lot of people doing this journey towards Europe too. I travelled all the way on foot. Crossing the border with Iran was a nightmare. Not many of us got out of there alive. Then, when we reached the Greek-Turkish border, there was a boat, and I was lucky enough to get in. There were 15 people inside it, me included. Only 3 of us made it. I will never forget that. 

The Greek population is kind. If you are a good person, it’s not hard to find a job at all. If you work well and have a kind heart, they help you. In this, the Greeks are number 1. 

To other people facing a similar situation to the one I went through, I’d say: ‘Leave! Come and have a great life here. Start living like a human being!’ After 8 years, I got my papers. With them in hand, I went back to Pakistan to see everyone, but again, I felt scared.

Some words I would like to say to those listening: ‘Never traumatize children: don't hit them and don't put too much pressure on them.’ When these kids grow up, they might end up traumatized. Love the kids. Talk to them nicely. If you hit a child, it never goes well. This is all I ask from the entire world, because this is what I experienced.”

Interview by Petros Katrakoulis

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.