Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Capital City

With a population of 1,409,768, Rawalpindi is the third-largest city in Pakistan's Punjab province, but don't let the big numbers fool you - this place is a logistical headache. As the headquarters of the Pakistan Army and a major transportation hub, the bureaucracy here is a persistent hassle, and the weather veers wildly from scorching summers to frigid winters. However, the city's historic roots, bustling markets, and proximity to the planned capital of Islamabad make it an attractive option for those seeking an authentic taste of Pakistani urban life.