Islamabad, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 08/05/11
Personal Experiences from Islamabad, Pakistan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Previously: Ukraine, India, and Belize.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Home base is US. The trip is long and tedious and expensive. Connections are through Bangkok (a long detour because then you backtrack across Europe) or through the Gulf (Dubai, Abu Dhabi).
3. How long have you lived here?
1 year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Govt.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Nice big houses. Mellow traffic, so short commute times.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Not bad, but getting more expensive by the day.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
A Hardee's just opened. We also have a Pizza Hut, a Domino's, and a KFC. Don't know the prices -- I have never been in any of them.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
I don't think the vendors would know what you're talking about if you asked for "organic" stuff.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Huge cockroaches come out of my drains.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Embassy mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Part-time housecleaner/cook is $140. Plenty of help is available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
On the embassy compound. It's a popular hobby here. Kinda like in prison.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Plenty of ATMs. Some places take credit cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes. I know of two churches -- one catholic and the other... i dunno. Maybe also catholic?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yep. Dunno how much -- embassy covers it. There are only a few channels in English, and they are heavily edited (for sex and language -- but they don't mind the violence).
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not much.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Depends on the disability. If it's a mobility issue, there are very few sidewalks or ramps. It would be difficult.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No. We are not allowed to take them.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Roads are good -- any vehicle is fine. There are lots of speed bumps, and some of them are very high -- so a car with good clearance is best. I have a Toyota Corolla and it gets me around fine.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Cheap.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cheap and plentiful in the market.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Not sure about kennels. There are a couple of okay vets.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
You are surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards and armored vehicles and security checkpoints and whatnot. Osama bin Laden lived 30km up the road from here.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Decent. Great compared to Delhi but not great compared to Kiev (my last posts).
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Super hot in the summer and surprisingly cold and clammy in the winter. Very brief windows of nice weather in Spring and Fall.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are not many international kids around. We're not allowed to bring families.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
No. No kids.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Relatively large.
2. Morale among expats:
Very low and getting worse.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
You have to make your own entertainment -- party with your friends at home.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I have a couple of gay friends who seem to be hooking up left and right. A recent embassy-sponsored Gay Pride event was just described as "cultural terrorism" by the political-religious leadership here, and I have a feeling that that's a common view.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
YES, YES and YES!
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
My R&R's out of Pakistan were the highlights. Domestically, my trip up to the mountains near Skardu and hiking in Nathia Gali were awesome. There is also some good camaraderie here is Islamabad, as we are all stuck here together.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Drink beer with friends (if you can find the beer and a private place to drink it). Play board games. Go to embassy/UN/NGO parties.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Jungle art and carpets.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Oof... not much. Getting worse by the day. If you work for the USG then you are severely restricted in your ability to travel, for security reasons.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No. Well... maybe. Considering the options I had at the time, I'd pick it again, but I cannot in good faith recommend it to anyone.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
...skirts and shorts.
3. But don't forget your:
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Koran.
