Re: Seeking an authentic voice
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*Originally posted by cjwardle: *
Dear Colleagues,
I wonder if I may tap in to your collective knowledge? I am currently living in Australia and have been short-listed (one of three candidates) for a position with a reproductive health NGO in Islamabad.
My potential employer looks fine and as we might be entering into negotiations shortly, I am trying to do some ‘due diligence’ work on aspects of life in Islamabad. I would be grateful for any insight list members could give me on:
- Cost of living in Islamabad (housing, food, transport);
- Security concerns (if any) for foreign nationals;
- Recommendations for schooling (my children are 11, 13 and 15);
- Details of ‘wild’ places of great natural beauty, where I can indulge my passion for bushwalking (when not working)?
Sadly, the politics of fear in Australia have resulted in our Government listing Pakistan as a country to be avoided, so I am having somewhat of a battle convincing my family to seriously consider moving home. However, I am an optimist who believes in the politics of decency, humanity and generosity and would like to hear the authentic voices of Pakistani people on the issues raised above.
Should the job offer I hope for come my way, I hope list members may assist me in reaching an informed decision.
Thanks in anticipation,
Chris Wardle.
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I am a resident of Islamabad, and plus my dad was a German language professor, and due to the shortage of language experts in the city, he had alot of interactions with foriegners living in the diplomatic enclave, so I feel I should answer your query. From what I can briefly say about all the diplomats that my dad encountered was that they really liked serving in Islamabad.
As for housing, you could always get a house for rent in the diplomatic enclave Islamabad, it is subsidized (less than $500 per month). There are some other sectors in Islamabad, such as F-7, F-6, F-10 where alot of foriegners prefer to live as well, but the rent ranges from $500 to $1200 per month. The rest, food is not much of a financial concern and is generally cheap (plenty of nice restaurants in the city too, that foriegners love), and the transport system, unfortunately is not recommended, especially the public transport bus system. Most foriegners buy cars (Islamabad has excellent roads), which again you can get a subsidized rate if youre a foriegner.
Trust me, Islamabad is the safest city in Pakistan. There are so many diplomats living there, and the Government has taken extra precautions to make sure its safe.
There are plenty of good schools there, that follow the British system of education, and offer British board exams. However, most diplomats send their children to the International American School in H-9/I-9. It is made exclusively for diplomats' children.
As for your last interest, bushwalking, you will be happy to know that Islamabad is a beautiful city, and is the greenest one :) Many diplomats go hicking, there are paved and unpaved tracks on Margalla Hills.
If you have any more specific questions, feel free to contact me through the PM system of this board.
Thank you and best of luck.