Karachi Travel Forum

i am a gori, married to a pakistani and am considering a move to pakistan. I have been to karachi twice before, however spent much of the time inside the 4 walls of my in-laws compound. if i move there i want to do it for myself not just for my in-laws (although they are lovely ppl). therefore am seeking advice about whether there would be any chance for a gori to get a job in pakistan, or wld the cultural, religious, language barrier prevent me from doing this???? i dont want to loose my identity to just be a cleaner, housewife, servant. i want to be able to have a career aswell to meet new ppl. i havent really asked my in-laws about it as they have never lived in the west and wld probably think im trying to do a "mans" job whilst not fulfilling my "womans" duties. any advise wld b much appreciated

Hi Gori ji,

That's a very wise decesion and you'll definitely enjoy the life in Karachi, it's the city of lights and a very lively atmosphere.

Language, that's not a problem, you may learn it within a couple of months, while living with your in laws.

Religion’d not prevent you doing any job but there could be some cultural barriers, because you’ll have to look at your family, their happiness and satisfaction, if they don’t have any problem with your work, then it’s fine, here in our families in Peshawar, we ask our elders, likewise father in law or mother in law, so better to discuss it with your better half and then seek the permission of the elders, you’ll be okay.

You can find a job, depends upon your interest of work and your skills in some particular field, Karachi still in need of skilled and professional people.

Whatever you do please consult your family and their permission, or your husband, that’s my opinion, you may differ from that.

I wish you all the luck and happiness & I welcome your queries,

Imran Schah

Photos of the mountains, cities of Pakistan
http://www.flickr.com/photos/imranthetrekker

I won't advise about your personal matters. Its upto you that how you treat with your in laws. As far as job is concerned Karachi is an advance city. Most of the national/multinational companies are offering jobs to women. Language will be your plus point. Would you believe that most of the camera persons of GEO NEWS TV are women.

Similarly Banks, Mobile phone companies & their franchises, Chain Restaurants, Schools and many national/multi national firms PREFER women specially English Speaking women. So scope of your job is very bright here. Even If a woman is not literate she can get job in some factory in packing/sorting departement.

Women are ahead in jobs like Secretarial, marketing, tele marketing, custumer care service, telephone operators, relationship officers, etc.

As I said Language is your plus point now come to other barriers like religion. So religion is also not a problem. I've seen many christains working with muslims under one roof. Take a big example of hospitals 90% of nursing staff here is christain. We eat/drink/take medicine from their hands. Also culture is not a big matter. As you told you've been already in Karachi twice then you must be aware of what to wear and what not. Every things will be adjusted.

The only issue I foresee is your work permit. You or the company that hires you may have to apply for a work permit (as I am assuming you are not a Pakistani National). This is not a big issue as there are several expats working here. I am in the hospitality industry (but not for long) and there are foreigners who are based in Pakistan with their families/husbands working for in the industry. Permission has to be granted by the government for this.

I have met couple of families where the husband is Pakistan and wife foreigner living comfortably in Karachi (or other parts of Pakistan).

Karachi is a very cosmopolitan city adnd you shouldn't have an issue adjusting (hopefully).

Thanks Amir for reminding an important issue.
yes if you are not a Pakistani natinal then work permit is necessary.

Well, if your husband is a Pakistani national, I think you will be able to get a Pakistani ID card. You need to check it from NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) office. You can become Prime Minister of Pakistan after that!...gender is not a big issue in offices. Infact, few companies favor women hiring. As far as your in-laws are concerned, I think you know about them better than us.

Oh BTW, whats wrong in cleaning your house, cooking nice food, taking care of children. I think you can be extremely creative in these jobs. And sitting in a cubical staring at monitor all day long can be as boring as you could imagine?

thank you for your help in pointing me in the right direction, will def have a look online for nadra info. and i guess the reason i cant stay indoors and live the life of luxury is that im not used to it, as a westerner we are taught that we are equal to men, but that also comes with the fact that we have to provide for ourselves and not to rely upon the husband, i just enjoy working it makes me feel like im contributing more to my family. and yes i know it sounds weird that i like to sit at a desk all day!! but i bet if the men were the ones at home all day long with the kids after a while it wld drive them nuts aswell no matter how much u love your family i think a balance in life and chores is good!

:) I hope you will be able to get a nice job there. May I ask which field you work in?