The Pakistani Community in New York
New York is home to one of the largest Pakistani diaspora communities in the United States. According to community estimates, over 100,000 Pakistanis live in the greater New York metropolitan area — and that number swells significantly when you include nearby New Jersey (which we’ll address in a separate guide, because NJ deserves its own conversation entirely).
Within New York City itself, the key areas are:
Jackson Heights, Queens — This is the undisputed heart of South Asian New York. The 74th Street corridor in Jackson Heights is packed with sari shops, salwar kameez boutiques, fabric stores, and jewellery stalls. On weekends it genuinely feels like a little Lahore. It’s busy, colourful, and has most things you’d need for everyday Pakistani wear and mid-range formal outfits.
Flushing, Queens — Slightly further out but worth knowing. More Korean and Chinese businesses dominate, but there’s a growing South Asian presence and a few Pakistani-owned boutiques.
Brooklyn — Smaller pockets of Pakistani community in Flatbush and Coney Island Avenue areas. A few halal grocers and South Asian clothing stores, though nothing like Jackson Heights in scale.
The Bronx — Smaller community presence, with a handful of salwar kameez shops and fabric stores catering to South Asian families.
For the purposes of clothes shopping, Jackson Heights is where you’ll spend most of your time.