Islamabad: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, a planned city built in the 1960s at the foot of the Margalla Hills. The capital territory has about 2.4 million people according to the 2023 census, and the old, noisy city of Rawalpindi adjoins it. Islamabad is a city of government, embassies, international organisations, universities and offices: noticeably greener, cleaner and calmer than the country's other big cities.

It draws diplomats, staff of international and humanitarian organisations, specialists on infrastructure and energy projects, teachers and entrepreneurs working with the Pakistani market. It is rarely chosen for relocation for comfort or remote work because of security risks and a limited choice of leisure.

Districts

The city is divided into sectors labelled with a letter and a number, each with its own centre of shops and a market.

• Sectors E-7, F-6 and F-7 - the most prestigious areas by the hills, villas, embassy residences, restaurants and cafés.
• Sectors F-8, F-10 and F-11 - residential areas with apartments and shopping centres, popular with families and foreigners.
• The Diplomatic Enclave - embassies and international organisations under heavy security.
• G and I sectors - more affordable residential and industrial areas.
• New housing estates to the south and along the airport road - gated communities with security and new homes.

Housing and prices

An unfurnished two-bedroom flat in sector F-11 rents for about 110,000 rupees a month, around $397. Furnished flats in the best complexes and houses in sectors E-7 and F-6 cost several times more, and foreigners usually choose housing with security and backup power. Local food, taxis and services are inexpensive, while imported goods and international schools are expensive.

Safety

The US rates Pakistan at level three, reconsider travel, because of armed conflict, terrorism, crime and kidnapping; in March 2026 non-emergency US diplomats in Lahore and Karachi were ordered to leave, while the status of the embassy in Islamabad was unchanged. Islamabad itself is considered one of the best-protected cities in the country, with checkpoints at entrances and key sites. Foreigners are advised to stay within the city, clear trips to other regions in advance and follow their embassy's alerts.

Practicalities

• Climate. Summers are hot, often above 40 degrees in June, with the monsoon bringing downpours in July and August. Winters are mild and dry; spring and autumn are the best seasons.
• Language. The official languages are Urdu and English, and English is widely used in government, business and among educated residents.
• Transport. The city is built for cars; there is a rapid bus to Rawalpindi and ride-hailing. The new international airport is 25-30 kilometres from the centre.
• Customs. The country is Muslim: clothing covers shoulders and knees, people do not eat in public during the day in Ramadan, and alcohol is sold only under a special permit for non-Muslim foreigners.

Moving and legal status

Citizens of Russia and most other countries apply for an electronic visa online before travel. Work requires a work visa on the invitation of an employer or project, and business a business visa and company registration. Long-term status is usually arranged by the employer, an international organisation or an embassy.

Work, business and trips

Pakistan is a market of about 240 million people, and Islamabad is the entry point for projects in energy, construction, telecoms and software development, as well as Chinese infrastructure projects. Companies are registered online with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan; a foreigner usually needs a local representative and a business visa.

The city has international schools and private hospitals, but the choice is limited, and foreigners often go abroad for serious treatment. At weekends people go to the hill town of Murree about 60 kilometres away, to the ancient UNESCO-listed city of Taxila 35 kilometres away, while Lahore is about 4-5 hours by motorway.

Daily life

Power cuts happen, so housing is chosen with backup power, and drinking water is filtered or bottled. Domestic staff is common among foreigners: a driver, cook and cleaner are inexpensive. Mobile internet and fibre in residential complexes work, but the authorities periodically restrict mobile internet and individual social networks, so a backup channel is needed. Large malls have supermarkets with imported goods, and sector markets sell fresh vegetables, fruit and spices at local prices.

Is Islamabad worth considering for life

Pros: a green and calm city by the country's standards, English in business, inexpensive living, the Margalla Hills with trails right in the city and an interesting market for projects. Cons: security risks, restrictions on travel around the country, hot summers, little entertainment and conservative customs. Islamabad is a city for contract work, not for moving a family for quality of life. Write in the chat and we will find a country where life is calmer.