Economic flight of Indians in Britain, condition of Pakistanis slipped (symbolic picture)
PTI, London. The economic gap between people of Indian origin and people of Pakistani origin in Britain has now become not just a difference, but a clear gulf. The economic gap between people of Indian origin and people of Pakistani origin in Britain is no longer a matter of comparison, but has become a story of one-sided progress and backwardness.
It is clear from the latest study of London School of Economics (LSE) that in the last decade, while British Indians made a strong jump on all three fronts – earnings, savings and wealth, the Pakistani community was left far behind in this economic race.
According to a report by LSE's Center for Analysis of Social Exclusion, people of Indian origin received the biggest gains from real wealth growth in Britain after 2012-14.
In contrast, the average wealth of adults of Pakistani origin declined over the same period. Statistics show that while the Indian community progressed in wealth creation, the economic condition of the Pakistani community further weakened.
Forward thinking of Indians, continuous mistakes of Pakistanis
The study revealed that the Indian community created a strong economic base through decisions like education, stable employment and buying houses on time.
In contrast, the Pakistani community continued to grapple with challenges such as low income, limited savings and late entry into the property market. The result was that the wealth of Indians kept increasing and the Pakistani community kept slipping further behind economically.
British-Indians went ahead, Pakistanis could not show improvement
The report also shows that people of Indian origin born in Britain have not only overtaken first-generation Indians in economic performance, but have also left behind the white British community in many cases. In contrast, people of Pakistani origin have not seen the economic progress over the generations that could have helped them close this gap.
Property decides victory and defeat
According to researcher Dr. Eleni Karagiannaki, this study clearly shows that it is not income alone, but wealth creation and access to home ownership that determines the long-term economic health of a community. While the Indian community took advantage of opportunities at the right time, the Pakistani community kept missing these opportunities time and again.
The research has been conducted in collaboration with the British Academy and includes a detailed analysis of data from 2012-14 to 2021-23.