CASES AND MATERIALS

If you have lived in the West for any length of time you will find Pakistan difficult to settle in unless you are a multi millionaire. Even then it is strongly recommended that you reside in Islamabad at least while you and your family acclimatise. 

There is a saying that Islamabad is fifteen minutes away from Pakistan.   Planned by the Greek who also planned Brasilia, Islamabad, a city of less than one Million people,   boasts wide  and lush  green avenues , parks  and open spaces. The Majestic Margalla Hills  on one side and the Murree Hills on the other soothe eyes. The Capital Development Authority is as efficient if not better than any local authority any where around the world providing  organization and amenities second to none within the shackles of a corrupt and dysfunctional Federal system. There are eleven fully developed sectors now and each sector is approximately 2.5 KM x 2.5KM. Mansions come villas planned by some of the best architects in the world are serviced by leafy , clean well kept roads . The major highways remain uncongested and one can move  from one end of the city to the other in less than twenty minutes. People drive on the left with impeccable manners and the traffic police perform their duty admirably with courtesy and zeal.  Cross the border into the adjoining city of Rawalpindi and you get mayhem. 

The thing about having lived in the West is that you begin to feel you can tackle anything. If you are one of those people then  go about it the right way. Even if you can take it your family may not be able to. Some of the things you can do.

Rent or buy property in the best area of the city you choose to live in. CDA in Islamabad, DHA in Lahore and Clifton in Karachi are the very best. You will get 90% of the standards you are accustomed to. 

In order to make life easier on your family join one of the clubs in Islamabad, Lahore or  Karachi.

Islamabad Club

Lahore Gymkhana 

Karachi Yacht Club

It is extremely important to plan a decade ahead for your children's education. First make sure that you send your kids to quality schools which cater for European board exams. Equally important make sure that your children do not loose the right to loans or state funding by failing the residence conditions in the country you are moving from. The amounts involved will be staggering beyond your comprehension. Most UK universities charge UK citizens classified as over seas citizens circa 16000-00 Pounds per annum.  Board and keep is at least another 15000 per annum. That means 31K net per annum which usually means 100K over three years with no right to student loans or other benefits.  

Pakistan Higher Education Council (HEC) can be contacted here. 

If you are a professional make sure your qualifications are recognised in Pakistan. It is important to open  an account with the Pakistan HEC  to obtain an equivalency certificate. You can do this well in advance of leaving online.

Contact any relevant professional bodies.

If you feel you need assistance our Pakistan offices can handle matters for you.

Before you leave make certain that if you and your family have any unique, rare or complex conditions require special care or medication these are available and affordable in Pakistan.