11 Pros And Cons Of Moving To Pakistan (Expat Advice)

Most people will wonder about living in Pakistan as an expat.

You are going to think about safety, cultural differences, and/or how you are going to manage in a new environment.

These are legitimate issues to think about but Pakistan is a fascinating nation. It is full of life, vibrant, and has some of the most beautiful sights in the north.

Depending on where you are looking to live, there’s ample value in moving to Pakistan as an expat. It simply comes down to what you are hoping for when coming to Pakistan.

This guide will look at the pros and cons of moving to Pakistan as an expat.

Pros Of Living In Pakistan

Low Cost Of Living

Whether you are staying in Ghana or moving to Qatar, the first thing anyone is going to think about is the cost of living.

When it comes to Pakistan, the cost of living is reasonable. You can end up getting most things at a far more affordable price compared to those who are going to be living in other countries.

Yes, it might take time to get things depending on where you live. However, those who are in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi won’t have much trouble at all when it comes to getting what they want.

Plus, it’s going to be affordable, which only adds to the value of living in Pakistan.

Beautiful Sights

Expats living in Pakistan will often talk about the beautiful sights around the nation.

It’s not just the major cities but some of the northern areas too. You will often see people go to the northern side of the country to look at its vast greenery, beautiful water, and charming mountains.

It is like you have stepped into a different world, which is why it appeals to people from around the world. It is a must-see environment for those who are going to be living in Pakistan for a long period. Take the trip out to the north and see all that it has to offer.

Helpful People

If you are wondering about the people in Pakistan then you are going to be pleasantly surprised.

Pakistanis are known for being warm-hearted, helpful, and tend to put in the time to talk to you. Yes, there is a language barrier depending on who you are speaking to but the effort is going to be there most of the time.

This is appealing to those who are going to be speaking in English and might know Urdu.

If that’s the case, you will enjoy the local community.

If you live in the major cities, it’s far more common for people to know English.

Warm Weather

The weather tends to be good in Pakistan.

The summers are blistering hot and that’s when people spend more time outdoors or head to the cooler parts of the country if they have the time.

If you are someone who doesn’t want to deal with snowy conditions then you are going to be happy with what you find in Pakistan.

Pakistani weather tends to be warmer than other regions.

Different Types Of Properties

Let’s assume you are an expat moving to Pakistan and want to buy property in the region.

Is this possible?

Yes, you can buy properties in Pakistan if you want to. However, you are going to need the right documentation and it’s essential to find the right area to make sure your investment is a good one. Some areas will do better than others and that’s where you should be aiming to buy.

For the most part, Pakistan has all sorts of properties for you to choose from and they are affordable too. This is useful for those who do want to spend a bit of money and buy a house in Pakistan as an expat.

Vibrant Culture

It’s important to take the time to appreciate Pakistani culture.

It’s a distinctive culture that is full of life, fun, and a great way to enjoy yourself when you are taking the time to become a part of the local community.

While this is an Islamic country, it also has local festivals that take place throughout the year. These are festivals that are great fun and people like to get together to enjoy them.

You will also want to be a part of this when you are living in Pakistan.

Cons Of Living In Pakistan

Poor Healthcare

The healthcare system is not as good as it should be.

The main issue has to do with the private sector being far more expensive than a person can afford. This creates a situation where you are going to have to pay a large bill to get the healthcare you need or you are not going to receive appropriate treatment.

The facilities are only good in a few hospitals and it’s essential to know where they are.

In the major cities, the facilities are a lot better than the smaller ones. It’s important to be aware of this and know where you are going to receive medical care during your time in Pakistan.

Language Barrier

The language barrier is going to be noticeable when you are visiting the smaller towns around Pakistan.

If you are living in a major Pakistani city then you are going to be fine. It is common for people to know at least a little bit of English in these cities but that’s not the case in the smaller regions beyond the major cities.

If you venture out to those parts, your English is not going to hold up as well.

It is always nice to pick up the local language and know a bit of Urdu.

Corruption

This is a part of life in Pakistan and it’s unfortunate for those who are not used to it.

You are going to see corruption at all levels and sometimes it’s not going to be as discreet as you might think it’d be. This creates difficult situations for expats to navigate around because bribes do become a part of what is expected from you.

It’s essential to be mentally prepared for this especially when you are dealing with governmental staff.

You can often get things done faster if you are willing to pay up. Some don’t like doing this and this leads to subpar services, which is not an ideal situation to be in for anyone.

Culture Shock

There is going to be a noticeable culture shock when you come to Pakistan and that’s to be expected when you are coming to any Asian country.

Living in Pakistan means you are going to have to know and appreciate Islamic culture. This is a part of life in Pakistan and it’s something you are going to notice all around you.

However, Pakistani culture itself entails specific foods, festivals, and more that you are going to have to be open to.

Subpar Judicial System

The judicial system is not great.

This is a real concern for those who might be dealing with legal work in the country and want to go to court for a wide array of reasons.

Unfortunately, you can end up getting stuck in the system where the case is not heard on time or it does not go through as required. This is a real concern for those who want to feel confident in the judicial system, but there are numerous signs things don’t go as planned.

Final Thoughts

It is important to keep these pros and cons of moving to Pakistan in mind before completing the transition to this part of Asia.

Living in Pakistan is a wonderful idea for those who want to become a part of a vibrant culture, enjoy gorgeous sights, and also make the most of a lower cost of living.

Feel free to read our guides on – the value of living in Russia, the value of living in Spain, and the value of living in Italy.