Oceanbound222 interesting post #9.

Here's my short description as I travelled there in Nov 06. It was my first business trip to Karachi.

Armed with the latest travel advisories from the various governments, emerging disease updates from WHO and CDC as well as saying my prayers (I'm not that religious), I headed over to KHI on Emirates Y class which was over an two hours late departing from DXB.

At arrival, I was met by a airport guide who assisted me all the way from Immigration to baggage claim. There a porter was summoned by this guide. After a cursory glance by the customs, there was someone who checked that my pasport had been stamped. Then I was transferred to a Company driver. Coming out of the airport, I was on heightened senses as this was my first time in country. The only thing leaving the airport I saw was 3 soldiers manning a machine gun station. I suspect if anything untoward happens, these guys will shoot first and ask later.

Driving into Karachi was ok but traffic was heavy. Saw lots of nice decorative busses. ^ . I noticed there were lots of people but no one smiled (unlike that in the Far East). Did not notice many women. I was vary at traffic lights. All it takes is a nutter to do something. OK, I am sound paranoid since what I hear from the Western media as well as government travel advisories (US, UK, Oz, Canadian, etc) have not been too positive.

The company put me up at the Sheraton. I asked for a room in a wing furthest away from the main road. (Google Earth did a wonderful job in this respect). Usual security precaution applies : Car crash barrier at entrance, bonnet checks and Xrays at hotel door. This hotel is used by quite a number of cabin crews and I was very relieved to see my favourite airline there. Then I saw this Dalek like female flight attendants all dressed in black and covered top to bottom. Anyone care to guess? Oops I digress.

Visiting a client company, I was greeted with mirror checks underneath the car and a boot check. That night, I had dinner at the Hotel first floor and have to say the curry was delicious. Would have no qualms having dinner outside if I had the chance. BTW, there is Malaysian Embassy in that hotel.

On way back to airport, checking in was atrocious as the PC system acted up. I saw privileged few jumping queues. Then we have to bring our supposed hold bag to another counter to 'check in'. As usual, following immigration formalities, my passport was checked for exit stamps. Note that this checker desk is only about 10 steps after the Immigration control! Prior to departure gate, there was security check. All I can say was that I was very glad to be on my Emirates flight to DXB.

Summing up, I noticed there seems to be lots of job creation- in that there are lots of people doing things but don't really add much value. This was based onmy observations at the airport as well as discussions with the client company representative. The Pakistanis whom I have met there are friendly and warm. These are the guys in the office.

I guess many FTers here are wondering....turn around? I would not do it as it's not one of the nicer airports. Worth visiting? Depending where you visit and keep a low profile but I felt there is always that element of underlying danger. I contrast this with Nigeria where it is very much 'in your face'.

Hope all these helps.