Living in Defence Housing Authority in Lahore, Pakistan

Despite Pakistan's current economic, political, and energy instability, I've seen several posts online from expats planning to move to Pakistan. Here's the first in a series describing foreigner friendly living areas in Lahore.

Location

Defence Housing Authority, or DHA as it is commonly called, is a large suburban area of the city with 8 sections or "phases." Currently, phases 1 to 4 are well populated and houses are going up and getting settled in the other phases. The lower the phase number, the earlier the area was built and the closer it is the main section of the city. It is located next to Cantonment, the army area, and not far from Gulberg, Walton Road, or some parts of Ferozepur Road. It is quite far from the canal and Old Lahore. From Defence to Thoker Niaz Baig (the motorway entrance), it can take 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the traffic. Traffic in Defence itself is usually not too bad, and many people drive within the lanes.

Ambiance

DHA is certainly the upmarket sector of Lahore. Streets are wider than most in the city and there are new flash houses going up all the time, especially in the newer phases. Aside from commercial areas, streets are quiet and you can expect a nice break from the chaos of the city. Many times DHA seems like a different world from Central Lahore. Most houses have high walls and large metal gates. Windows are barred to prevent theft. Yards and gardens are mostly within the walls of the house. The bigger houses have spacious gardens and comfortable outdoor seating areas. Sometimes, children and servants play cricket in the streets. Other than that, there is not much happening outside the walls of the houses. You will usually know your landlord but not any of the other neighbors. People keep to themselves but are friendly if you do have need to greet them.

Parks & Recreation

When DHA was planned it was planned with parks in mind. Anywhere you live in Defence you should have a park within walking distance. You'll see many walkers, and a few joggers (mostly male) after work hours on park running tracks. Many parks have playgrounds and most are kept very clean. In the evening you will see many ladies and children hanging out at parks in Defence.

There are several activities to do within Defence, although the options can become exhausted after a few months. The Defence Cinema near Lalik Chowk is beautifully designed and impeccably clean. Book tickets at least a day ahead to ensure seats. You can go bowling near the cinema or enjoy coffee in one Defence's numerous chic cafes. Young men play snooker and puff on hookas in lounges, and ladies hang out at beauty parlors or enjoy shopping at designer stores.

Schools

There are several schools located within Defence, and schools outside of Defence usually offer a transport service. Beacon House, IGCSE, has a branch in Y Block and there is Scarsdale International located in BB Phase IV. Many children who live in Defence also attend Aitchison (boys only), Lahore American School, Lahore Grammar School or Choeuifat which are all located outside Defence.

Housing

The most common type of housing in Defence is to rent a portion of house. This usually consists of the upper portion where the landlord lives in the lower portion. If the family lives in the upper portion, they are generally trying to get more money for the lower portion's rent. The lower portion is cooler, but usually has more common space and large drawing rooms that may be unnecessary for you.

Most bedrooms have private bathrooms. A spacious three bed/three bath with private entrance and garage can go for 20,000 to 30,000 rupees. With the rate of inflation constantly changing it's best to check on the dollar value when you read this.

Look for private entrances, separate electricity meters, separate hot water tanks, terraces for both laundry and for parties (if desired), and clean kitchens when you check out a house. Also, ask about power supply. Is there a generator? Is there a UPS? Will the generator keep you up at night? Currently, only one room of our three bedroom place is useful for sleeping due to noise pollution during the excessive power cuts.

There are many good realtors in Defence. I'd recommend Deal Makers located in Phase IV commercial area. Any realtor should be able to find you a number of options within 2 to 3 days. I'd recommend a house where the landlord lives there, rather than one where the landlord is abroad and has left the house in the hands of domestic servants.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants in Defence, including the international chains of Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway and McDonalds. You can find places to eat in the commercial areas of Phases I to IV, with the largest concentration being in Phase I. Phase III, Y Block, offers the most family style sit down restaurants. You can also find a variety of restaurants, mostly Pakistani, on Defence Main Blvd. You certainly won't go hungry in Defence! Defence is also a short drive from the city's hippest street, M.M.Alam Road, where you can have your pick of the city's top dining facilities.

If there's anything else you'd like to know, send me a message on AC and I'll try to get an article out about it!