Karachi - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The dress code at work is fairly casual. When USG employees interact with the public, it best that they dress professionally in business suits or traditional Pakistani dress. - Aug 2015
Business attire when needed, but Pakistan business culture has an engrained business formality to it. - Jun 2014
At work: Whatever you work out with your boss. Some people wear jeans and a polo, some wear suits. It section-dependent. Do pack a few suits no matter what--you'll need one. In public: More formal than you would expect: suits for men, or at least a dress jacket and trousers. You'll never need a tux, though. The shoulder-to-ankle rule for women is a good one (and depending on where you go, sleeveless is probably not a good idea). Women should bring shawls (or buy them here, they're cheap)---you're expected to have one even if you're wearing a long-sleeve shirt. No one should go off-compound wearing shorts. The only time you'll need an evening dress here is the Marine Ball. - Mar 2013
Don't bring a tux. Coat and tie are often required for meetings. Scarves or shawls for women are essential. No shorts off compound for either men or women. - Sep 2011
