The Land of The Hanna Lake, The Chaukundi Tombs

& The Defence Housing Society Mosque

Information on Relocating to Pakistan

·        The capital city of Pakistan is Islamabad with about 800 thousand people. The political centre is also in Islamabad where the President resides. Pakistan is a Republic.

·        Languages: Urdu is the national language. English is widely spoken. Regional languages include Punjabi, Pushto, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Baluchi. There are numerous local dialects. The TV programs are in their original language. Cable and Satellite TV is available.

·        Population: The population is about 164.7 million people - Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India at the time of partition and their descendants).

·        Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Islamabad.

·        Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country and particularly in these popular areas varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

·        Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. Housing prices are absurd compared to local wages, yet the short supply of reasonable accommodations and the ready cash of some Expats result in a spiraling market. The local currency is Pakistani Rupee (PRe-singular; PRs-plural).

·        Schools: We have the American and the International school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

·       Transportation: Extensive bus and minibus services operate in Lahore, Karachi and other towns, although services can be crowded. Taxi: Reasonably priced and widely available, they are by far the most efficient means of urban travel. Auto-rickshaws are also available. Note: that they may not operate after sunset during Ramadan.

·        Bank: The banks are open Monday-Saturday 9.00 am - 1.30 pm, Friday 9.00 am - 12.30 pm.

·        Shopping:Saturday-Thursday 9.30 am - 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 6.30 pm. Bazaars stay open longer.

·        Climate: Pakistan has three seasons: winter (November to March) is warm and cooled by sea breezes on the coast; summer (April to July) has extreme temperatures and the monsoon season (July to September) has the highest rainfall on the hills. Karachi has little rain. The best time to visit southern Pakistan is between November and March, when the days are cool and clear. The best time to visit northern Pakistan is from April to October.

·        Culture: The pleasures of Pakistan are ancient: Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, Islamic palaces, tombs, pleasure grounds and Anglo-Mogul mansions - some in a state of dereliction which makes their former grandeur more emphatic. Sculpture is dominated by Graeco-Buddhist friezes, and crafts by ceramics, jewelry, silk goods and engraved woodwork and metalwork.

·        Public holidays: January/February (date varies)-Eid ul-Azha (Feast of the Sacrifice); January/February (date varies)-Ashoura; March 23rd-Pakistan Day; March/April (date varies)-Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet); August 14th-Independence Day; November 9th-Allama Muhammad Iqbal Day; November (dates vary)-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan); December 25th-Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday. Note: (a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Most restaurants are closed during the day and there is a restriction on smoking and drinking in public places. Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Azha may last from two to four days, depending on the region. (b) Christian holidays are observed by the Christian community only.