Renowned for its love of cricket and breathtaking snow-capped mountains, Pakistan is a country rich in history that has shown considerable economic progress since its independence. It is officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the name Pakistan translates to 'Land of the Pure' and is the fifth-most populous country in the world. Despite some hardships associated with life in the country, expats moving to Pakistan are in for an exciting cultural experience.

Pakistan is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman to the south, and it shares land borders with India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest and China to the northeast. This makes the country home to an assortment of cultural influences introduced through the various kingdoms, empires, and dynasties that have ruled the country throughout its history.

Living in Pakistan as an expat

Pakistan is one of the largest producers of natural commodities, and its economy is semi-industrialised. Due to the political instability and other hindering factors the country has faced, the economy is still developing. Exports form a major part of the economy, and expats may be able to find work opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism and technology.

Pakistan has both public and private healthcare facilities, but the standard of public healthcare is often low, and most expats opt for private care instead. It is of paramount importance that expats have a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers them for repatriation, if necessary.

The public transport system in Pakistan tends to be overcrowded, and bus drivers frequently drive recklessly. We recommend that expats hire a car, preferably with a driver, to navigate and get around the country.

Safety will be a major concern for expats, as Pakistan has been the target of terrorist attacks in the past. The best way to stay safe is to keep up to date with the political situation in the country and avoid going to very crowded places.

Cost of living in Pakistan

Expats will be pleased to know that the cost of living in Pakistan is relatively low, especially when compared to more prominent expat destinations. Accommodation is likely to be the biggest monthly expense, but even very affordable accommodation is available if expats know where to look.

For parents moving to Pakistan with their children, education is the second-highest expense. Most expats send their children to international schools, which are often pricey. Eating out and grocery shopping is also cheap, as is transport.

Families and children in Pakistan

Public schooling is free and compulsory for all children in Pakistan. Despite this, the country battles with widespread illiteracy and gender disparity. While the standard of public education is typically lacking, there are numerous international schools located in the capital, Islamabad, and other main cities popular with expats.

Expats looking for fun things to do with their families in Pakistan will discover that the country is rich with historical and cultural sites that make for a fun and educational outing. Families can also spend a day touring markets and shopping malls or visiting beautiful mosques. Those who enjoy the outdoors will find some gorgeous hiking spots in the country that are accompanied by incredible views for those who enjoy the outdoors.

Climate in Pakistan

Pakistan has a continental climate and experiences extreme fluctuations in temperature. In general, though, the weather in Pakistan is hot. The length and onset of the seasons can vary throughout the country, but each year generally brings a cool and dry winter and a summer monsoon period, with the months in between being generally warm.

The country faces several challenges, including political instability, corruption and illiteracy. The government has implemented numerous plans to combat these issues, and the country's economy shows much promise.

In addition, Pakistan has seen an increase in tourism as more travellers have started to see its potential. Though not the easiest expat destination, those who move to Pakistan with an open mind are sure to have a vibrant and memorable experience.

Fast facts

Official name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Population: 243 million

Capital city: Islamabad

Largest city: Karachi

Neighbouring countries: Bordered by Iran to the southwest, Afghanistan to the west, China to the northeast, and India to the east, Pakistan also has a southern coastline on the Arabian Sea.

Geography: The country has a diverse landscape and can be broadly split into three main areas: the highlands of northern Pakistan, the Indus River plain in central Pakistan and the Balochistan Plateau in southeast Pakistan. Due to the country's location, parts of Pakistan are prone to earthquakes.

Political system: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic

Major religion: Islam

Main languages: English, Urdu

Money: The Pakistani Rupee (PKR), which is written as Rs.

Time: GMT+5

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Plugs have two or three round pins.

Internet domain: .pk

International dialling code: +92

Emergency contacts: 15 (police), 115 (ambulance), 16 (fire brigade)

Transport and driving: Pakistan has decent public transport infrastructure in its larger cities. Cars drive on the left-hand side.

The weather in Pakistan is distinguished by a continental climate, and the country experiences extreme fluctuations in temperature both seasonally and daily due to variations in elevation across the country.

Broadly speaking, Pakistan is a hot country. This is especially true for the central plains, with the high temperature worsened by a hot wind known as the Loo that blows through during summer. Although the southern coastal areas experience extreme heat, the temperature is moderated and cooled by sea breezes. On the other hand, the high altitudes of the mountainous northern region are prone to ice and sub-zero temperatures.

The length and onset of the seasons can vary throughout the country. The seasons generally consist of a cool and dry winter from December to February, a dry and hot spring from March to May, a summer monsoon period from June to September, and a retreating monsoon season beginning in October. The El Niño weather phenomenon, which happens every two to seven years, greatly influences Pakistan's climate and often causes irregularities in temperature and flood frequency. 

Apart from monsoons, other natural phenomena to be aware of are tropical storms and violent dust storms, which typically occur in summer. Heat stroke and dehydration are a concern, especially for expats living in the central regions of Pakistan and those who are used to cooler climates. Expats should ensure they stay hydrated by drinking bottled water and should try to avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day.

Pakistani embassies

• Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, DC, United States: +1 202 243 6500
• Pakistan High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 664 9200
• Pakistan High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 7881
• Pakistan High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 26 273 1114
• Pakistan High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 362 4072
• Embassy of Pakistan, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 261 3032
• Pakistan High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 479 0026

Foreign embassies in Pakistan

• United States Embassy, Islamabad, Pakistan: +92 51 201 4000
• British High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan: +92 51 201 2000
• Canadian High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan: +92 51 208 6000
• Australian High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan: +92 51 835 5500
• South African High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan: +92 51 265 5304 
• Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Karachi, Pakistan: +92 21 3589 1181
• New Zealand Consulate-General, Karachi, Pakistan: +92 21 356 6993

*Islamic holidays are subject to change based on sightings of the moon.

Safety in Pakistan is bound to be a concern for expats. There is a threat of terrorism throughout the country, mainly due to the presence of an anti-state and anti-Western organisation known as Tehrik-e Taleban Pakistan (TTP). Other terrorist organisations believed to have a presence in Pakistan include Al-Qaeda and ISIS. 

While opinions differ, several embassies – including those of the USA and the UK – warn their citizens to avoid anything but essential travel to most parts of the country. Expats already in the country should minimise the time spent in public locations.

Crime in Pakistan

There is a high level of crime in Pakistan, especially in large cities such as Karachi and Islamabad. Muggings are frequent and sometimes escalate to kidnapping. Carjacking and robberies are common too, so expats should avoid travelling alone at night and always remain aware of their surroundings. It's best to be as inconspicuous as possible and keep valuables out of sight to avoid attracting any unwanted attention.

When it comes to abiding by local laws, expats should be aware that homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan, as is importing pork or alcohol products. In addition, it is illegal for unmarried couples to live together. Possession of illegal narcotics is punished harshly, and offenders may even be sentenced to death.

Terrorism in Pakistan

The country has experienced terrorist attacks of varying violence. These attacks often target local government officials as well as foreigners. Previous targets include embassies, schools, hospitals, government buildings, religious shrines and airports.

Expats can keep themselves safe by avoiding areas with large crowds, particularly any political gatherings, rallies or demonstrations. The period leading up to national and provincial elections can be a particularly volatile time.

Health safety in Pakistan

There are a few issues to note when it comes to healthcare in Pakistan. It is one of two countries in the world where polio is still a threat.

Expats should make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date for polio, hepatitis and measles before departing for Pakistan. The country also experiences malaria and dengue fever, and the necessary precautions should be taken, especially for those who may be travelling to more rural parts of the country.

It is important to note that while private hospitals can be found in major Pakistani cities such as Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, the standards are not nearly as good as most expats would likely expect. Therefore, we would advise expats to ensure they have a comprehensive health insurance policy that covers them for evacuation to neighbouring countries and repatriation, if necessary. 

The standard of education and schools in Pakistan is not at the level most expats may be used to. Less than 70 percent of primary school children complete their education, while millions more remain out of school entirely. The country suffers from a high illiteracy rate and gender disparity. Another criticism of the Pakistani education system is the focus on rote learning rather than critical thinking. For these reasons, most expats in Pakistan choose to send their children to international schools. 

Public schools in Pakistan

Education in Pakistan is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 5 and 16 years old. The education system in Pakistan is usually divided into six levels: 

• Pre-school (ages 3 to 5)
• Primary school (ages 6 to 10)
• Middle school (ages 11 to 13)
• Secondary school (ages 14 to 18)

Even though there is nothing stopping expat children from attending public schools in Pakistan, most expat parents don't pursue this option for various reasons, but mainly because of the poor quality of education and lack of decent facilities. There are also cultural differences to contend with, as well as the approach to learning and discipline. 

English and Urdu are the languages of instruction at public schools in Pakistan. Many schools follow a curriculum inspired by the British system, with strong religious influences.

Useful links

• The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has more information on the national education system.

Private and international schools in Pakistan

There are a few private and international schools in Pakistan that follow various curricula. Most of these schools are located in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Many of the private schools are prestigious boarding schools. The standard of teaching and the quality of facilities tend to be far superior to those found at Pakistani public schools. These institutions also offer students a range of extracurricular activities such as sports, music and drama.

For expats moving to Pakistan for a short time, it makes sense to have their child attend an international school that follows the curriculum of their home country or the International Baccalaureate (IB). This would allow the student a smoother transition when moving from one school to the next. Another benefit of having one's child go to an international school is that it allows them to mix with other expat children who may be facing similar challenges in adjusting to life in a new country. 

School fees for both private and international schools are expensive. Expats relocating to Pakistan to take up a lucrative job offer should certainly negotiate a sizeable allowance to cover the cost of school fees when discussing their employment package with the hiring company. 

Special-needs education in Pakistan

The education system in Pakistan is not as nuanced and pragmatic as Western expats might be accustomed to. Special-needs education is an area that is grossly neglected in Pakistan, and children with disabilities tend to be stigmatised rather than accommodated within the system. 

The Pakistani government has put plans in place to create a system of inclusive schooling in which children with physical or mental disabilities can receive the support they need while learning alongside their peers in mainstream schools. It may be a while still before these plans are put into action. In the meantime, several special-education schools in the country cater to a range of physical and mental disabilities. 

Those who wish to send their child to a private or international school in Pakistan will discover that these schools are generally more equipped to deal with a broader range of learning needs than their public counterparts. Teachers at these institutions can also give each student more individual attention. It is recommended that expat parents do their research and contact individual schools for more information about the support they can provide. 

Useful links

• Expats who will be relocating to the province of Punjab can check out the provincial government's Special Education Department to learn more about the support resources available in the province.

Tutors in Pakistan

Expats looking to provide their children with additional academic support may struggle to find suitably qualified tutors in Pakistan. Although they could approach advisors from their child's international school for some direction, often the best bet is to find some support online.

Pakistan Tutors, FAHAD Tutors and AG Tutors are tutoring companies based in Pakistan that offer either online or home tutoring for school-aged children. Those looking for school support, help with language acquisition, or assistance adjusting to a new school and curriculum would do well to start here. 

Useful links

• Pakistan Tutors
• FAHAD Tutors

Working in Pakistan has become a fruitful experience for many expats as the country has experienced an impressive economic boom, and it looks to become a major Asian investment hub in the future. Karachi is Pakistan's most prosperous city and is the country's financial hub.

With the presence of many foreign companies, Karachi offers some excellent career prospects for expats. As Pakistan's capital and diplomatic heart, Islamabad is where expats relocated by their own national governments or international NGOs will likely be based.

With factors like nepotism and corruption remaining a constant in Pakistan, finding a job can be a difficult process. Many of the local workers in Pakistan rely on social connections and who they know rather than experience, talent or qualifications.

Expats will be pleased to know that salaries will provide a good standard of living, as the cost of living in Pakistan is incredibly low. Expats will need the correct visa and work permit to work in Pakistan and will not be eligible for these documents unless they have already secured work with a local employer.

Job market in Pakistan

The economy of Pakistan is semi-industrialised, with the Indus River at the forefront of its growth. Urban areas such as Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore are also economic centres for the country. The main industries in Pakistan are construction, electricity, textile manufacturing, food processing and technology.

Expats with skills in any of the above industries shouldn't struggle too much to find a job. As the fastest growing sector in Pakistan, expats working in IT in particular will certainly have plenty of options available to them. The banking, finance and healthcare professions are also growing in popularity in Pakistan.

Finding a job in Pakistan

Most expats living in Pakistan move to the country with a job in hand. Those working for a prominent international company or at a diplomatic mission will likely have healthcare, visa processing and finding accommodation, all taken care of by their employer. 

For those who haven't secured a job offer before relocation, it is essential to note that networking and word-of-mouth references form the basis of the employment procedure in Pakistan. Expats can also use both online job portals or expat social media groups to find vacancies in Pakistan. 

Useful links

• Rozee is one of the biggest job portals in Pakistan, offering a wide range of vacancies across different sectors. 
• New arrivals to the country can also try out social media groups such as Expats in Pakistan and Expats in Islamabad. 

Work culture in Pakistan

In some ways, Pakistani work culture can be quite conservative and formal. Hierarchy is highly valued, and one is expected to display respect toward seniors in the workplace. Contact between the sexes is limited, and men still hold most positions of power. 

On the other hand, networking and relationship building is essential in the workplace. Expats should try to engage in small talk and get to know colleagues on a personal level before getting down to business. Although Urdu is the official language of Pakistan, English is most commonly spoken in the workplace, and most Pakistanis speak English fluently.

Expats used to the work culture of the USA or Europe may struggle slightly to adjust to the way of doing business in Pakistan. When first moving, expats will do well to learn about the country's work culture.

The Pakistani business world assigns great importance to hierarchy. Respect and trust are extremely important, and those who are older, more experienced and in a higher position should be greeted and addressed first. Once expats have learned the simple norms and nuances of the work culture in Pakistan, they should adjust quite easily. 

Fast facts

Business hours

8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The workweek in Pakistan is longer than in most countries in the world, at 48 hours. 

Business language

English is the language of business. Urdu is also commonly spoken.

Dress

The dress code is conservative. Smart suits are appropriate.

Gifts

If invited to a Pakistani household, flowers or chocolates are acceptable and should be given with two hands.

Gender equality

Gender disparity exists in the workplace, and women are seldom in senior positions.

Business culture in Pakistan

Greetings

Men shake hands with each other and often hug when a relationship is formed. Men should not attempt to shake a woman’s hand unless she extends hers first. In Pakistani business culture, people are rarely addressed by their first names. Instead, refer to an associate by their title and surname.

Communication

Trust is important in the Pakistani business world, and non-business-related conversations usually precede a meeting. Avoid any controversial topics about politics, religion or terrorism. It is common for colleagues to ask about an expat’s family and other personal matters.

Meetings

Meetings are best planned for the late morning or early afternoon. Deadlines are seen as flexible, and business may take longer than anticipated, so expats should be patient and work around this. The holy month of Ramadan is a significant part of the year for Pakistanis, and expats should not schedule any meetings over this period.

Dos and don’ts of business in Pakistan

• Don’t feel uncomfortable if colleagues stand very close, as this is common
• Do accept business cards with the right hand or both hands
• Do be punctual for meetings, but don’t be surprised if meetings are cancelled at the last minute
• Don’t maintain constant eye contact. This can seem threatening, especially for seniors.

Healthcare in Pakistan varies considerably, depending on several factors. Those living in larger cities will find that the healthcare available is adequate, whereas in rural areas it can be of an extremely poor standard.

Efforts to upgrade the healthcare system in Pakistan have been put into place, with plans to establish a universal healthcare programme by 2025. This is yet to show significant progress, though. 

Emergency response is unreliable, with limited numbers of ambulances. In the event of an emergency, taking a taxi or driving to the hospital can often be a wiser option.

Health insurance in Pakistan

Most expats moving to Pakistan for work will likely have their health insurance covered by their employers as part of their employment contract. For expats whose employers will not cover private health insurance, the cost can be significant, depending on the level of cover they choose and the number of dependants. Other factors affecting the cost of health insurance are one's health status and lifestyle habits. 

Pakistan is currently developing its universal healthcare and has recently launched the Sehat Sahulat Programme (SSP) for low-income families. This programme provides free healthcare to qualifying families for a wide range of healthcare services, including GP visits, maternity care, emergency services and in-patient hospital services. SSP is divided into two categories; Secondary Care and Priority Treatment. Priority Treatment offers a wider range of benefits, including for life-threatening diseases such as cardiac and neurological conditions.

Public healthcare in Pakistan

While Pakistan offers both public and private options, most expats opt for the latter. In fact, most expats employed by international companies or diplomatic missions operating in Pakistan will have a comprehensive health insurance plan set up for them, so they won't need to consider using public facilities while in the country. 

There are government-run hospitals that are low-cost and offer basic medical treatment, but the standard is typically quite low and not in line with what most expats, especially those from Western countries, would be accustomed to. Medical staff at public hospitals in Pakistan may also not be well-trained.

Private healthcare in Pakistan

Pakistan has many expensive private medical facilities, mostly located in the urban areas of Karachi and Lahore. It is highly recommended that expats take out comprehensive private health insurance if this isn't provided by their employer. Medical insurance should also include provision for the possibility of emergency medical evacuation to a nearby country with superior facilities.

Pharmacies in Pakistan

Pharmacies are readily available in urban centres, but outlets are often understaffed when it comes to qualified personnel. Anyone travelling to outlying rural areas for extended periods should pack basic medications. Those living in rural areas may need to travel to larger towns to fill prescriptions.

There have been some improvements recently. Online services have reduced the need for people to physically visit a pharmacy and people can instead have their medication delivered to them, at least in urban areas. 

It is important to note that some medications may be known by a different name in Pakistan. It's best to bring ample supply when moving to the country and speak to a general practitioner about alternatives that may be available. 

Health hazards in Pakistan

Malaria is a risk in rural areas, and polio and dengue fever are common too. The tap water in the country is also considered unsafe to drink, expats should avoid ice in their drinks at restaurants and purchase bottled water at all times.

Earthquakes and flooding are other health hazards for expats to be aware of in Pakistan. It's essential to monitor the local news and follow the authorities' instructions when there are earthquake or flood warnings.  

Vaccinations for Pakistan

Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where polio cases are still found. Expats must ensure they are vaccinated against the disease before travelling to the country. Although Covid-19 vaccination is not necessary to enter Pakistan, authorities have started conducting random Covid-19 testing at all international airports, so it's recommended that expats be vaccinated to avoid being given quarantine instructions.

Pakistan is also on alert for measles and typhoid, expats must be up-to-date with their vaccinations. Other essential vaccinations for travelling to Pakistan are: 

• Rabies
• Yellow fever
• Influenza
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

Expats are also encouraged to take precautions against cholera by washing their hands regularly and avoiding food considered safe.

Emergency services in Pakistan

There are different numbers for different services and regions in Pakistan, but Rescue 1122 is the most widespread and should be called in case of an emergency. There are both public and private ambulance services in Pakistan, but most of the ambulance services in the country are run by NGOs.

While this does assist with the high number of medical emergencies reported daily in the country, many of the staff are untrained and unable to provide advanced life support pre-hospital. For this reason, expats with an extensive private life insurance plan should opt for private ambulance services where possible.

Although there has been some improvement in Pakistan’s public transport infrastructure in recent years, safety remains a major concern when it comes to getting around. Not only have there historically been terrorist attacks aimed directly at public transport, including trains and buses, but traffic congestion can reach epic proportions in Pakistani cities, and the country’s drivers have a reputation for being reckless.

Expats moving to Pakistan should use public transport with extreme caution or ideally avoid it altogether, if possible. Most opt to hire a car with a driver instead, which is usually arranged and paid for by their employer.

Public transport in Pakistan

Trains

Trains operate within and between Pakistani cities and are a popular means of getting around the country. While Pakistan’s train network does function to an adequate level, it is by no means on par with systems in Europe or North America, so train travel may be a frustrating experience for expats from those parts of the world that are accustomed to a higher standard of transportation.

It’s possible to buy train tickets online, but the system is unreliable. It’s recommended for expats to buy tickets several days before travelling, should they choose to use trains. Trains have been the target of terrorist attacks in the past, and expats should avoid train travel where possible. 

Buses

Buses are the most popular means of intercity transport, and most cities also have domestic bus services. Bus travel is relatively cheap, and it’s not necessary to book ahead, as passengers usually pay the bus driver directly upon boarding the bus.

Again, there are some concerns when it comes to bus travel; not only are they often overcrowded, but many have been the target of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Expats should keep this in mind when deciding whether to travel by bus in the country. 

Auto-rickshaws

Auto-rickshaws are a popular option for getting around in Pakistani cities. It’s best to negotiate a fare before getting into the rickshaw to avoid being overcharged or disputing the fee later. Due to the pollution caused by auto-rickshaws in Pakistani cities, the government has clamped down on their operations, and some older models have been banned and replaced with more modern, less noisy and more environmentally friendly models.

Useful links

• For more on train schedules and routes, visit Pakistan Railway’s website.
• The Northern Area Transport Corporation (NATCO) is one of the biggest bus companies in Pakistan. 

Taxis in Pakistan

Taxis are available in all cities. Expats should be wary though, as some drivers have been known to take advantage of unsuspecting foreigners, so it’s best to negotiate the fare and ensure that the driver switches the meter on before embarking on a journey. Female expats should avoid travelling in taxis on their own, especially at night. It’s also safer to arrange a taxi ahead of time via the telephone rather than hailing one from the street.

Ride-share services such as Uber are available in Pakistan’s bigger cities, such as Islamabad and Karachi. Cars and auto-rickshaws can be hailed via certain apps. Due to traffic congestion, users should expect fairly long waiting times for their rides. It is possible, however, to book in advance to save a little time. 

The advantage of using such services is that users can track the whereabouts of their vehicle using the app on their smartphone.  

Useful links

• Uber is a global ride-hailing company with operations in Pakistan. 
• For local ride-hailing apps, visit Apni Sawari or InDrive.

Driving in Pakistan

Due to safety concerns, the majority of expats in Pakistan choose not to drive themselves and prefer to hire a car with a driver. This is a prerequisite for many foreign executives and diplomats in Pakistan. Many are even accompanied by an armed escort. 

Car-jackings are common, and expats should avoid travelling at night when the danger is increased. Hijackings have also been linked to kidnappings of foreigners in Pakistan.

Driving licences

Expats can drive with a foreign licence and an International Driver’s Permit in Pakistan, but they will eventually have to convert it to a local licence. Expats can continue driving with their foreign licence for the duration of their visa. Citizens from certain countries such as South Africa, Australia, the UAE and Switzerland can simply exchange their foreign licence for a Pakistani driving licence. The process for exchanging a foreign driving licence involves applying at a local licencing authority and proving one’s medical fitness. 

Only foreigners who do not have valid driving licences from their home countries will need to begin by applying for a learner’s permit, which will remain valid for six months. Thereafter, expats must take and pass a series of computerised tests within six months of obtaining their learner’s permit to secure a Pakistani driving licence. 

Useful links

• The National Highways and Motorway Police Department issues most driving licences in Pakistan.

Air travel in Pakistan

There are daily flights between all major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The main airlines are Pakistan International Airlines, SereneAir and Airblue. 

Due to the safety and security concerns surrounding Pakistani public transport, air travel is the recommended option for intercity travel.