Islamabad - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The expat community used to be quite bigger in the past. Nowadays it has shrunk but still there are far more embassies than in other capitals around the world. Therefore the diplomatic community is quite huge. Arranging for BBQs in the garden, excursions or parties is technically the only recreation offered in Islamabad, so the expats generally stick together. Of course many prefer to abstain, focusing mainly to their work and families. - Oct 2023
Sizable, but not as large as it was in the early 2000s when media organizations had big teams of foreign correspondents in Islamabad to cover the war in Afghanistan and U.S. development money was pouring in. Outside the Embassy USDH community, morale among expats is very good and was throughout the pandemic. - Jun 2022
Large expat community. - Feb 2019
Great morale among expats! The expat community is large, vibrant, and one of the best things about living in Islamabad. There are a number of international missions and representation from what seems like all of the UN agencies. There are also a number of NGO workers. - Sep 2016
Very large. Morale varies, but it is usually good. People come to Pakistan for a reason, and they're often ready to face the daily challenges of living here. Still, try to reach out beyond the expat community, and you'll find very friendly, hospitable and caring Pakistanis. - Sep 2015
You will find the biggest bunch of whiners you have ever met. - Aug 2015
Large--morale is ok. - Aug 2015
Large and not bad. - Apr 2014
Relatively large. While morale was generally pretty good,particularly for long-term expats, tensions would rise when security issues and threats were an issue. - Feb 2014
Huge: massive U.S. Embassy and many other expats from other embassies, international organizations and private companies. We had good morale because we were together (FSO + EFM). It is tough for those with families in a different country, especially when the time difference is large. Lots of cliques. People that are there for their 2nd or 3rd year don't make any effort to integrate new people (not even say hello in the corridors). Recurring question: how long are you here for - as in, why make the effort if it is only for one year? - Dec 2013
Huge in the government and hanger-on sector. - Mar 2012
Relatively large. - Aug 2011
Many Americans at the embassy. Also a sizable UK high commission. - May 2011
Medium sized for the city. There are a lot of Embassies and NGOs, so there is a pretty decent scene. Also, there is a great opportunity to mix with the upper crust of Pakistani society as well. - Jan 2010
Large. - Oct 2009
Decreasing. - Oct 2008
