Safety in Lahore for a foreigner moving there

You have asked quite a few questions so let me attempt to answer them.

You wouldn't attract much attention in Lahore if you don't look like an obvious foreigner and don't open your mouth.  By obvious foreigner I mean white, oriental or any ethnicity that can't pass for a Pakistani.   If that is the case then your level of risk is going to be around the same as faced by an average citizen.  If you stand out, then it can go either way i.e. you might be targeted or you might be ignored (police respond quicker for crimes against westerners and for some criminals, it might be too much of a hassle).  However, having said all of that, literally millions upon millions of people live in Lahore, from all nationalities and are managing just fine.  You would be safer there than in, say downtown Detroit

In Pakistan, there are different types of families based on level of education, exposure and so on - so keep in mind that I will keep this generalized.  Acceptability of a foreign wife is a lot more now than it used to be, certainly a lot more than a foreign husband.  The problem is divorced with kids which unfortunately is only acceptable by a tiny minority and is especially amplified if the guy has never been married before because the cultural mindset then dictates that "he can do so much better" - think back to Victorian England where the role of the woman was only to get a good husband.  Now, while it is not as bad as that in modern day Pakistan; this mindset is deep rooted in some traditional middle class families and at least in the last generation of parents (of the current 30/40 year olds).  So when the son is "such a catch" and sought after by lots of traditional eligible eastern girls, why would he go off and get married to someone who has been married before.   It's easier if its his second or third marriage and he is on the older side.

The last point I would make is that the Pakistani's you meet abroad - the educated, westernized, enlightened and open minded variety are not necessarily representative of the vast majority back home.  Not to say that the people back home are bad; in fact they are kind, welcoming and almost overwhelmingly hospitable to foreigners.  It's just that they still cling to a lot of prejudices based on the limited exposure they have had - it's changing now and is a lot better than it was even 5 years ago.  But you might find it difficult to integrate living there.

My two cents on the topic!!

Thank you, that’s very informative.
What about kidnappings? Are they common?
I’m not rich and neither is my boyfriend (upper middle class I believe)

This is not Colombia or mexico

There are kidnappings but they are not that common as a ratio of overall population.   I wouldn't worry about that.

Lol Fair enough.
Is there a lot of foreigners living in Lahore?

There are quite a few foreigners living in Lahore.  The highest number would probably be living in Islamabad due to the diplomatic corps.

Thank you

There is no need to worry about the security concerns in Lahore. I think you have got your satisfactory answers.

Well I have a 3.5 year old and we are white. My boyfriend is worried that we might be targeted because of that (someone trying to use the fact that we are foreigners to make a point, politically or otherwise)

Anisa, welcome to Pakistan,

All of the above comments are very true and up to date.

So far we have no clue as to in which capacity you are coming to Pakistan? Since your exposure and experience will all depend on which organisation you are working for or which locality you are residing in and what exactly you will be doing from morning to evening.

There are specific dos and donts on details e.g . dress code and socializing norms which you need to understand when you are in Lahore. 

Hi Anisa,

I would firstly advise that you marry and arrange your boyfriend's citizenship in your home country. This is because even though you intend to live in Pakistan, you will still need to visit your home country regularly and your boyfriend will have no difficulty in travelling with you. Furthermore, If things do not work out in Pakistan then you and your boyfriend will easily be able to return to your home country.

Secondly, I would advise that you arrange some sort of income before you move to Pakistan. Perhaps set up an online business or rent your house out if you own it. Your daughter will love living in Pakistan if you are able to provide her with a higher standard of living than she currently has in your home country. To provide that you will need a monthly income of at least £3000 (The average monthly Salary in Pakistan is approx £300).

In terms of security, the most important question is "Who" does your boyfriend and his family know in the Military, Judiciary, Politics and Police.  Any disagreements in Pakistan, including something as rare and extreme as kidnapping, are settled through negotiations using intermediaries. If your boyfriend and his family are well connected then any issues can be quickly resolved.

I would advise living in areas run by the military, such as Askari Quarters and Cannt, or run by ex-military, such as Bahria Town. If you have any troubling  issues they will intervene to resolve them on your behalf as you are a resident in their gated community.

In most cases foreigners are welcomed in Pakistan (especially "White" foreigners) and the main issue you will find is that everybody will try to overcharge you, borrow money from you and get you to invest in their business. Be aware that you will never see your money again. If you "lend" people money in Pakistan and then ask for the loan to be repaid they actually usually get offended.

In terms of crime, it is very unlikely you will be a victim but the most common crimes are pickpocketing and street robbery (as long as you cooperate, they will politely take your mobile and money and then leave without harming you).

Most people in Pakistan who have any ill intention towards you will in most cases be simply after your money. The thinking is "They have so much money that if I take a little it won't really make a difference to them".

However, please note Pakistanis in general are a friendly and hospitable people. You will enjoy living in Pakistan. You just need to get used to the chaos and noise.

I want to move Saudi from Lahore, What things I need to know before moving? Can any one share the details of Iqama process of Saudi for visit

I am curious which news websites and channels you have been watching. I want to read and watch those channels too

no need to worry just move freely. its safe . just complete your visa process

do you mean English channels or Urdu channels?

Well, you have asked two different questions.

About security, I don't think you need to worry much about that aspect much with reasonable precaution that we all take when travel to a new city or country. Generally, it is not advisable to attract unnecessary attention and show off

In fact, you will enjoy and have good time and will be well received as a foreign tourist. A lot to explore in Lahore and Pakistan.

For women, advice would be to sensitive about dress code - not too revealing and short dresses. Western dress that covers the body should be fine.

Regarding your boyfriend piece, let me be frank that you should be ready for resistance depending on how sincere and strong your boy friend is. It is a social taboo and offence to live together with out legal marriage. Being a non-muslim will possibly trigger social issues for you and your daughter.

Hope you have great experience and lovely partner.
Bon voyage

thanks about that.