Gujranwala–Lahore–Istanbul–Örebro–Kokkola – The highly educated couple’s journey to Finland

A robotics and artificial intelligence specialist and a general physician bring international expertise to Finland. Ahmed Nouman works at Centria Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Top Research Group. His responsibilities include developing simulation-based systems, digital twin frameworks, and AI-driven solutions for autonomous work machines. 

– I am involved in projects related to autonomous earthmoving systems, machine vision, and ROS2-based robotic platforms. In addition, I am currently working on developing a Research Assistant and a Research Proposal Assistant Writer for Centria to support researchers in preparing proposals and organizing research knowledge more effectively. 

Nouman’s goals are to develop intelligent and safe autonomous systems that bridge digital and real-world deployment, to actively contribute to scientific research by publishing research papers, and to continue growing and excelling in his field. 

Nouman obtained his Doctor of Science (Technology) degree in mechatronics and control engineering from Sabancı University in Istanbul. He lived in Istanbul with his wife for a total of about five years. He also completed a postdoctoral position in Sweden before coming to Finland.  

Nouman’s wife Zarkhania Javed is meanwhile learning the language and preparing to continue her medical career as a general physician here doing integration training.  Zarkhania previously completed her medical studies in Lahore, Pakistan. 

The couple exudes warmth, and Zarkhania comes across as someone Finland will ultimately gain as an excellent doctor. Zarkhania radiates enthusiasm for medical work and can hardly wait to start practicing once she has learned Finnish. Only then will it be possible for her to work as a doctor, even though she already speaks Swedish and English quite fluently. 

For a fully qualified doctor, the difficulty of entering the labour market feels like a nerve‑racking period of waiting, but there are no alternatives available. Even Zarkhania’s willingness to work initially without pay has not opened doors. Securing even an internship placement seems nearly impossible without Finnish language skills, yet such a position would be essential for completing the required assessments to demonstrate her professional qualifications.

Many doctors who come to Finland from abroad face similar challenges, Zarkhania says.

Zarkhania has expressed her willingness to help by acting as a “phone doctor” for relatives back in a couple’s home country and by caring for an elderly person with dementia during a short internship period.

–When I look a lonely older person in the eyes, I think about how important presence is. We are here far away from our own loved ones, and at the same time we see how busy everyday life can take away time to stop and be present. That is exactly why small encounters and listening mean so much.

The family’s journey to Finland has been eventful. A couple originally from Gujranwala, Pakistan arrived in Finland with their two children in April last year.

Before moving to Finland, they spent two and a half years living in Örebro, Sweden at the encouragement of Ahmed’s brother. Before Sweden, Scandinavia had been completely unfamiliar to them.

When Ahmed’s work came to an end in Sweden in 2024, he was ready to return to Pakistan, but Zarkhania wanted to stay. Ahmed began applying for jobs in other Nordic countries and in Germany. Then Ahmed’s current supervisor, senior research lecturer Tomi Pitkäaho, called from Centria. Although job offers came at the same time from England and Sweden, Ahmed’s instincts told him that Finland was the right choice. Once again, the family packed their lives in four suitcases and moved.

Just as their work arrangements were confirmed, Ahmed’s father fell seriously ill. The family only managed to reach an airport in Dubai, where they received the tragic news. Start of Ahmed’s work in Finland was delayed.

The couple says they have received a great deal of support from Finland, and their preconceptions given to them about Finns have turned out to be wrong.

– Finns talk to their neighbours and are very helpful. One colleague from Centria even lent us her car and television. Moving to Finland was the best decision. We chose Finland because of its strong education and research environment, safety, and high quality of life. We think that foreigners are well taken care of here, Zarkhania and Ahmed say together.

The first emotions Finland evoked were calmness, orderliness and friendliness.

– One thing that surprised us was how peaceful everyday life is compared to where we come from. At first, the silence in public places felt unusual, but over time we have really started to appreciate the calm atmosphere, Zarkhania explains.

The Finnish language has led to some memorable situations. In the beginning, even simple things such as going grocery shopping felt like small adventures because of the language.

– People have always been patient and helpful, which has made the experience positive and encouraging, Zarkhania adds.

The couple describes Finnish working culture as respectful and well balanced. They emphasize a strong sense of equality, well-organized systems, and respect for personal time.

– As a doctor and as experts in robotics and artificial intelligence, we both value the professionalism and development-oriented atmosphere here. Finns are also patient and good listeners. In Finnish culture, it is acceptable to learn from mistakes, whereas in our home country mistakes are not tolerated, Zarkhania says.

– This is also related to patience, adds Ahmed.

The couple mentions only one issue that has bothered them in some Finns: the slow response to emails and phone calls, which can sometimes lead to slightly awkward situations.

In their free time, the family enjoys peaceful walks, exploring new places, and immersing themselves in Finnish culture. Zarkhania and Ahmed have two sons, 10-year-old Eesa Ahmed and 6-year-old Azlan Ahmed.