Moving to Pakistan

Pakistan's immigration system is administered by the Ministry of Interior in conjunction with NADRA, with most visa categories now handled through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS). The country has expanded e-visa coverage to over 175 nationalities, but work and long-stay categories still require Board of Investment (BOI) recommendations, security clearances, and FRO registration after arrival.

Pakistan's economy is anchored by agriculture, textiles, IT services, telecom, and an expanding freelance/remote sector. Karachi is the financial and industrial hub, Lahore is the manufacturing and tech center, and Islamabad hosts government, multinationals, and international organizations (UN, World Bank, ADB). The IT sector, supported by the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), is the fastest-growing export category, with software houses serving clients across North America, Europe, and the Gulf.

Pakistan's healthcare system is two-tiered. Private hospitals in major cities provide high-quality care at a fraction of Western costs. Aga Khan University Hospital (Karachi) is one of South Asia's premier teaching hospitals. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital (Lahore) is renowned for oncology. Shifa International (Islamabad) and Liaquat National (Karachi) are major private tertiary centers. Public hospitals like PIMS (Islamabad) and Jinnah Hospital provide subsidized care but are overcrowded and under-resourced. Most expats and middle-class Pakistanis rely on private insurance through employers (EFU, Jubilee, Adamjee) or international plans (Allianz, Cigna, Aetna). Private consultation fees range PKR 3,000-10,000 (USD 11-36); a night in a private room runs PKR 15,000-40,000. Pharmacies are abundant and medications inexpensive, though counterfeit medicine is a real risk — use reputable chains (Servaid, D.Watson). Air quality in Lahore and Karachi is a serious concern from October through February, regularly reaching hazardous AQI levels.

Pakistan is in rapid digital transition. Raast, the SBP-launched instant payment system, has accelerated cashless payments in urban areas. Mobile internet from Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, and Zong covers most populated areas with 4G; 5G has been piloted. Fiber broadband (Nayatel in Islamabad, StormFiber, PTCL, Transworld) delivers reliable 50-500 Mbps in major cities. Internet shutdowns and social media restrictions occur periodically during political events — X/Twitter has been formally restricted for extended periods.

Pakistani culture is warm, family-centered, and deeply influenced by Islamic tradition, South Asian heritage, and regional identities (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Baloch, Muhajir, Kashmiri). Hospitality is a core value — guests are offered chai within minutes of arrival, and refusing food or drink repeatedly is the norm before accepting. Pakistani cuisine — biryani, nihari, haleem, karahi, chapli kebab, seekh kebab, and endless breads — is a source of national pride. Religion shapes daily rhythms: the five daily prayers (azan) are audible from mosques, Friday is the congregational prayer day with shortened work hours, and Ramadan transforms the schedule with pre-dawn (sehri) and sunset (iftar) meals. Modesty in dress is expected, particularly for women; shalwar kameez is the national outfit and appropriate in all settings. Cricket is a national obsession, with Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches drawing the whole country into shared viewing.

• •Accept chai when offered. Refusing is culturally awkward. Even brief meetings typically include tea, biscuits, and conversation before business begins.
• •Greet elders with respect. 'Assalam-o-Alaikum' (peace be upon you) is the standard greeting; the response is 'Walaikum Assalam.' Use 'Aap' (formal you) rather than 'Tum' (informal).
• •Dress modestly in public. For men, long trousers and covered shoulders; for women, loose clothing covering arms and legs, with a dupatta (scarf) advisable in traditional settings and mosques.
• •Remove shoes before entering homes, mosques, and many traditional restaurants. Provide or wear clean socks.
• •During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Non-Muslims are not expected to fast but should respect those who are.