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Pakistan (PK)

Pakistan is South Asia's second-largest country and a land of extraordinary contrasts — from the towering Karakoram peaks in the north to the bustling port city of Karachi on the Arabian Sea.

Capital: Islamabad
Region: Asia
Language: Urdu
Currency: PKR (₨)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 20)
Emergency: 15
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Getting Around

Transport options for living in Pakistan.

Public Transport Overview

Transport is city-specific. Lahore, Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar and Karachi have metrobus/BRT corridors; Lahore has the Orange Line metro train. Most expats still combine ride-hailing, employer cars, drivers and domestic flights.

Main operators:
Daewoo ExpressFaisal MoversPakistan RailwaysPIA (privatised to Arif Habib consortium, June 2026)AirblueFly JinnahCareemYangoInDriveMotorway Police

🎫 Transit Passes

Lahore Metrobus / Orange Line card Stored value or token fares

Lahore corridors

💡 Useful if home and work are near stations.
Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metrobus card/token Low fixed corridor fares

Twin-city metrobus corridor

💡 Predictable but limited coverage.
Karachi Green Line / Peoples Bus fares Low fixed fares

Selected Karachi corridors

💡 Coverage does not replace car or ride-hailing for most expats.

Taxi & Rideshare

Street taxis exist but app-based rides or trusted drivers are safer and easier for newcomers.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Careem, Yango and InDrive are common; availability varies by city and security situation. Confirm plate, route and payment before entering.

Cycling

Cycling is limited by traffic, heat, dust and road conditions. Use controlled parks, residential sectors or organised groups.

Intercity Trains

Pakistan Railways connects major cities but delays are common. Domestic flights are preferred for Karachi–Islamabad–Lahore corridors and project travel.

Driving

Driving is on the left with variable lane discipline. Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on national highways, 40–50 km/h in urban areas. Many expats use professional drivers, especially in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Airports

Major airports: Islamabad International (ISB), Karachi Jinnah (KHI), Lahore Allama Iqbal (LHE), Peshawar (PEW) and Multan (MUX). Allow time for security checks, traffic and baggage queues.