Shikarpur, Pakistan

Capital City

At a population of 155,400, Shikarpur is hardly the quaint, slow-paced city many imagine when moving abroad. In fact, the urban area's dense, bustling streets and heavy bureaucracy are a sharp contrast to the tranquil rural life many expats seek. While the city's strategic location made it a historical trade hub, today its infrastructure is sorely lacking, with a mere 0.35 km of road per square kilometer - well below global norms. And with Sindh province's recurring droughts, the agrarian economy often teeters on the brink of collapse, fueling social unrest. Simply put, Shikarpur is a challenging destination best suited for seasoned expats with a high tolerance for red tape and unpredictable conditions.