Islamabad, Pakistan Report of what it's like to live there - 02/05/19
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?
No, I've also had postings in NEA (Near Eastern Affairs).
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?
Virginia (Dulles). One needs to take two flights, Islamabad-UAE- IAD, expect it to take about 20 hours to fly; you can make it home same day if flying from Islamabad, but it will require 3 calendar days to travel from Dulles to Islamabad due to flight times.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
USG employee working at the Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
At the time it was majority living within the city off the Embassy compound. This has now shifted with the majority of people living on the compound within the 3 new SDAs (apartment buildings). Housing off compound is old, bad air circulation causes alot of dust/dirt, poor insulation, and frequent issues with electrical and plumbing.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Produce is very cheap, bring a juicer if you like fresh juice! Other groceries are standard or higher depending if its considered a speciality item. Huge commissary also located at the Embassy. Can order just about any food product through DPO.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Ship items that you use often and prefer certain brands, especially tolietry items.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
You can order anything to be delivered, however if you live on the Embassy compound only can order food from the few restaurants that are located within the diplomatic enclave.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Cant speak on the SDAs, but in the off compound housing you can expect to have lots of geckos in your house. Mosquitos are pretty bad outside everywhere.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Household help is pretty cheap, however if you live in a SDA you will only be able to hire off a pre-approved domestic workker list.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
New gym at Embassy, massive with new equipment, heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, indoor basketball court, and many classes taught by other employees.
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?
Can use ATMs at Embassy, but you will need to pay for everything at local businesses by cash.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, Vatican Embassy has services as well as another church in English on the diplomatic enclave.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Can take Urdu classes at the Embassy, but honestly you don't need it to do local shopping, as English is taught in the school system in Islamabad.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, it would be impossible due to no sidewalks or ADA compliant businesses.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Not allowed due to security restrictions.
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?
None, you can buy a car from another diplomat or rent a car. However, you have a very restricted area you are allowed to drive in and half the time security restrictions will be enforced that restrict any driving and only allows movement in fully-armored vehicles.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it can be set up prior to arrival now that there is an office there at the Embassy.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
No, you don't need a local mobile phone.
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 quarantine, but can be difficult sometimes to get vet care when security restrictions are enforced that don't allow personal movements.
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?
EFMs can only come to post if employed at the Embassy.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is a Priority Staffing Post (PSP), don't be surprised when there are many heightened security postures.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Prepare yourself to be sick a lot at post. Everyone gets multiple gastrointestinal ailments (The PakAttack).
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?
Seasonal allergies are bad during the Spring due to the mulberry trees. During the winter, pollution is very strong. However it's not as bad as Kabul as far as air pollution.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
If morale is low at post, it effects everyone.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Extremely humid during the monsoon season June-September time frame.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
N/A No kids allowed at Post
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
N/A No kids allowed at Post
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?
N/A No kids allowed at Post
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
N/A No kids allowed
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large expat community.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Brits, Aussies, Canadians routinely have events to attend.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's a PSP, most folks are geographically single.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not outside the Embassy, but fine within the diplomatic community.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Christian Pakistanis seem to be targeted.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Not much you can do unless you take advantage of the Community Liaison Office (CLO) sponsored trips.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lot of items to purchase if you want to, ceramics, rugs, pashimas, jewelry, handicrafts, furniture.
Words of Wisdom:
1. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Any expectations.
2. But don't forget your:
Bug spray and positive attitude. And to prepare for the multiple gastrointestinal ailments stock up on quality toilet paper, Pepto Bismol, and wipes.
