Question for Pakistani Youth: Why the Disconnect with Religious Individuals?

اسلام علیکم و رحمة الله و بركاته

I have studied abroad in a Pakistani school. When I found guidance from Allah, and started practicing, I observed that my friends drifted away. While it never bothered me, it created difficulties for my friends and sister who subsequently became practicing themselves. They faced distinct social exclusion, concisely. They were just—ignored, as some foreigners who will begin speaking an unfamiliar language if addressed. To illustrate the extent of irreligiousness and social exclusion, before attending university, I considered I was perhaps one of the few handful individuals who are striving to practice Islam sincerely.

I mean to gauge whether this is a rare subjective experience. Therefore my question to Pakistani Muslims, to the youth is this: Do you find yourself dissociating and distancing yourself from Islamically observant people around you, especially in your academic centres (where individuals are not involved politically)? Is it because you think lowly, hold Islam in contempt, consider it outdated and irrelevant, a superstitious cult or that the presence of its adherents (intended literally) limit your activities, or perhaps there are personal scruples about being judged? If so, could you elaborate upon them?

Secondly: How do you personally feel about asserting yourself as a Muslim? Would you declare that identity openly in a non-Pakistani, non-Muslim context?

Note that this is not an emotional appeal or anything of the sort; I want to understand these dynamics objectively, as it forms a very relevant question while studying the pervasion of secular forces and the resulting homogeneity of the community in question. I assume that I shall have to first come to grips with the general sentiment regarding faith and Islam here, however, I shall let it come as it may. Your taking the trouble of leaving an honest thought(s) will be deeply appreciated.