Large-scale Pakistani migration to France began in the 1970s; they clustered around the Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, where many set up grocery stores and restaurants.

Most Pakistanis in France are concentrated in the major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille, and Toulouse.

They have settled in France for various reasons, including education, work opportunities, family reunification, and political asylum.

Many Pakistani students come to France to pursue higher education in fields like engineering, computer science, medicine, and business.

They often enroll in prestigious French universities and institutions like the École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, and HEC Paris.