Despite Pakistan's current economic, political, and energy instability, I've seen several posts online from expats planning to move to Pakistan. Here's the first in a series describing foreigner friendly living areas in Lahore.

Location


Defence Housing Authority, or DHA as it is commonly called, is a large suburban area of the city with 8 sections or "phases." Currently, phases 1 to 4 are well populated and houses are going up and getting settled in the other phases. The lower the phase number, the earlier the area was built and the closer it is the main section of the city. It is located next to Cantonment, the army area, and not far from Gulberg, Walton Road, or some parts of Ferozepur Road. It is quite far from the canal and Old Lahore. From Defence to Thoker Niaz Baig (the motorway entrance), it can take 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the traffic. Traffic in Defence itself is usually not too bad, and many people drive within the lanes.

Ambiance

DHA is certainly the upmarket sector of Lahore. Streets are wider than most in the city and there are new flash houses going up all the time, especially in the newer phases. Aside from commercial areas, streets are quiet and you can expect a nice break from the chaos of the city. Many times DHA seems like a different world from Central Lahore. Most houses have high walls and large metal gates. Windows are barred to prevent theft. Yards and gardens are mostly within the walls of the house. The bigger houses have spacious gardens and comfortable outdoor seating areas. Sometimes, children and servants play cricket in the streets. Other than that, there is not much happening outside the walls of the houses. You will usually know your landlord but not any of the other neighbors. People keep to themselves but are friendly if you do have need to greet them.

Continue Reading here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1163761/living_in_defence_housing_authority.html?cat=16

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

DHA - Defence Housing Authority - was originally established in all main cities to accommodate the army personnel. But as time passed, the cities have realized that the prices of houses in these places have shot up and they soon became the most posh, expensive and comfortable places to live in.

The mentioned system of numbering is common for them all, the lower the Phase number, the older and closer to center. But all Phases in all DHAs are well furnished and safe locations to live in. Prices are reasonable and the houses are spacious and nice. House guards and guards or police-like-troops for specific colonies are common.

Islamabad - is an artificial city built in the 60s-70s, practically only expats live there, entertainment is expensive and mostly organized by expats and embassies.
Karachi - main city of business, fun, food and activity. A very disorganized place but with most chances to have fun and meet friends. All major embassies have consulates and clubs here for expats.
Lahore - Culturally most interesting city of Pakistan. Lots of monuments and places to see in city and around. These places are not well kept in most cases, but are worth seeing, when it comes to business, Lahore is rather SMEs and middle-size companies market.
Rawalpindi (also called Pindi) - is a twin city with Islamabad. The border between them is indistinct and a lot of people who work in Islamabad, live in Rawalpindi. All fun is in Islamabad, Pindi is rather a big quiet town.
Faisalabad - a textile city with very few expats and not much to do.
Hyderabad - a nice town to see with very countryside feeling, a lot of historical places in the area.
Peshawar and Quetta - due to current security situation, strictly out of bounds.
Hunza valley - worth visiting with direct flights from Islamabad, in the middle of 7000 m high mountains, very safe and tourist-friendly place.
Gwadar - a new port city, being developed into a "dubai-like" place, right now just a port with some houses in the middle of desert.

Post a Reply

00abuse