Haroonabad, Pakistan

Capital City

With a population of just 77,206, Haroonabad is a small city in Pakistan's Punjab province, far from the glitz of Karachi or Lahore. The town's origins date back to the 20th century, when it was established as an agricultural market town under British colonial rule. While the local economy remains centered around cotton and cauliflower farming, the town has grown substantially since Partition, as Muslim refugees flocked here from India.

However, the rapid growth has come with its challenges. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city divided into 26 union councils that can make basic services a hassle. And the town's location near the Indian border raises safety concerns, though the text provides no specifics on the current security situation.

In short, Haroonabad offers a quiet, rural existence for those seeking to escape the crowds and chaos of Pakistan's major cities - but the tradeoffs in terms of red tape and potential instability mean it's likely not the ideal destination for most expats.