When Muhammad Javed became an Australian citizen last month, the feeling he had could not be fully expressed with words.
Muhummad moved to Australia in 2018 on a study visa in pursuit of his master’s degree in IT.
He was drawn to Australia from the culture and diversity he had witnessed while studying.
“The things you see here with the culture, it’s hard to find somewhere else,” he said.
“People from all over the world come here and live in harmony.
“So, it’s like a magical place of sorts.”
It was after his studies he decided to pursue his citizenship.
Despite currently living in Tamworth, people may recognise Muhummad from when he lived in Gunnedah.
After COVID times he moved to the area in 2021 where he worked for NBN.
“It was a great opportunity for me,” he said.
He moved to Tamworth this year where he is enjoying living but still has many friends left in the Gunnedah area.
Muhammad is from Pakistan, specifically Central Punjab, where he completed his schooling along with a Bachelors of Computer Science.
“It’s a lovely place,” he said.
“Really nice sightseeing areas [in the northern areas].
“They’re really beautiful. I would encourage everyone to visit Pakistan once in their life.
“The people over there are really friendly.”
While there is not necessarily a place he misses, the people are certainly on his mind when he thinks of home.
“I miss the people over there,” he said. “That’s my family.”
“[When it comes to the areas] the memories are based on the people.
“In the beginning it was a bit hard. It’s a transition.”
When asked how it felt to become an Australian citizen at his ceremony, he answered “really happy”.
It has been eight years since he first moved to Australia and admitted it had been a long process to obtain his citizenship.
“In this moment, I can say that it was worth it,” he said. “That is the feeling I have in me right now.”
