Islamabad - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I'd rather say that it is a good city for families, with cheap and abundant (albeit not very qualified or skilled) domestic help, big apartments/houses with gardens, several parks and lack of noise and traffic (in the posh areas). For the couples there are options for trips to amazing domestic destinations with fortresses, shrines, etc. Single men will find living in Islamabad very boring. For single women it will still be boring but due to their scarcity they will have at least invitations to various events. - Oct 2023
Married couples can bank a lot of money over the course of a two-year tour, but geographic singlehood is the norm. People date in the local and expat community. Islamabad would be fine for families with young kids; teenagers would have plenty of opportunities to get themselves in trouble. - Jun 2022
It's a PSP, most folks are geographically single. - Feb 2019
Great for singles. The U.S. mission is unaccompanied so you won't see the children-centric events that many posts have. There are a number of people who are "geographically single" so do with that what you will... - Sep 2016
It really depends. It's a bit harder for bachelors, as Islamabad can be very isolating and there are really few places and occasions to meet other singles. For couples (80-90% of expats here) it's far easier, as the mutual support you'll enjoy will be very helpful. Families with little children (if your embassy has no such restriction) tend to love Islamabad, as the city is generally calm and has many green areas. But if you have a teenage child, he or she will definitely be bored to death here! - Sep 2015
Singles struggle because this post is very isolating. If your only desire is to occupy your desk for 14 hours a day, then this is the place for you! Extra long work hours are largely a result of peer pressure. Couples at post together do better than couples apart --- there is rampant cheating. - Aug 2015
Great for couples but no kids allowed. And your spouse can only come if s/he can get a job. - Apr 2014
Yes great for all. The U.S. Embassy does not allow families, but some diplomatic missions do. As a result, many families were living in Islamabad and seemed to be thriving and enjoying themselves. - Feb 2014
It is a great city for all. Other expats have their children at post and house help is so inexpensive that it would be practical to have a young family. As a couple there are many things to do. Because spouses are not allowed in country without a job at the Embassy, many people are "made" single - not to worry: there are parties all the time and everywhere (well maybe someone will worry now!). Unfortunately for the older crowd, most parties in the Enclave (by Brits, Canadian, Australian and French in general) are advertised at 8pm to really start vaguely at 11pm and really at midnight. - Dec 2013
It was the family spot for South Asia hands and it's still a great place to have a family. Due to the security overreaction, it's now a young, single (or situationally single) post with a strong, though repetitive, party scene. My wife lived elsewhere, but I still had a great time. I would have extended if the security office had let her come. - Mar 2012
Singles- Due to the large US presence in the city there are many Americans however they are mostly male. Interaction with the locals on a romantic/dating level is unusual and generally limited to people who speak Urdu and are Pakistani or Indian. Couples: Islamabad would be a good place. There are many restaurants and other activities such as carpet shopping, hiking, and day trips. Families: None at the Embassy - May 2011
This is a good post for singles. A lot of married folks are at the Embassy, and there are even a few jobs for spouses. If you are in the NGO community, it's a great family post. Domestic help is really cheap, and there are a lot of families here that have activities for expat children. - Jan 2010
Yes, Islamabad is a terrific, well planned capital city reminiscent of Canberra. Its proximity to Rawalpindi means that access to the "real" Pakistan is a short drive away. - Oct 2009
Frankly, this is not a good city for any expats at the moment. Movements are severely curtailed due to the security situation. - Oct 2008
