I worked in UK state secondary schools from 1993-2002. Morale was not that great there. Then with my wife and a six month old baby sold the house, packed a few boxes and went overseas. Two posts, two years in middle east then two years in Asia. Best teaching jobs I ever had - absolutely no regrets. Fan-bloody-tastic. Our second child was born in the middle east, private health care covered all costs - far better looked after than NHS. We saved money too. Both schools were not for profit with excellent packages, but both had their fare share of naysayers. I ended up feeling a little rootless though, and we decided to emigrate to NZ, been here since 2006 and are now citizens. State school I'm at in NZ much better than most in UK but I've joined this forum as I'm thinking of going back to international again but have discovered I'm probably too expensive now (3 costly dependents). I think I got lucky with my two overseas posts and I would only consider not for profits again this time - because I trust them more and they are less likely to dick me around. But if you're single it's less of an issue (no worries over exam age children).

Anyway, we've had a huge adventure all because I took that initial risky step into the unknown.

It helps to be adaptable, positive, and someone who sees problems as things to be solved not bitched about. Then you'll fit in anywhere. Avoid the negative egos in the staffroom. I found both my international schools to be very progressive - creative types welcome!

GO!

I assume you have already checked the FCO info, in particular the links to terrorism and safety and security from this page:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pakistan

Kidnappings in Karachi have reached a record high:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/651253/kidn ... ar-record/

But, according to this wiki not so many foreigners:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_ho ... n_Pakistan

Despite how horrifying it all sounds the odds that you will be affected are still low, just a lot higher than elsewhere. I've been reluctant to return because I have dependents. Despite the bad picture painted you most likely will be fine. Greatest risk is almost certainly on the roads. They're almost as bad as the drivers here in New Zealand.

I started going to Pakistan in 1998 when I first took a school group trekking - the last year such trips were allowed due to safety concerns. My wife is Pakistani (christian minority) and I have residency there. I've interviewed, been offered and turned down a job in Karachi (TBS). Karachi was built on a mosquito infested swamp: the climate is unpleasantly hot and the mozzies are still there. AC helps but expect plenty of power cuts (which will get worse). Population of Karachi 16 million and climbing, and there's a lot of unrest. A substantial number of troublesome Patans have settled there.

I'm not aware of any schools that have really good pay. I was interviewed for a director of education post at Aitchison College around 2000 and the pay wasn't that great.

I wouldn't have concerns over random bombs and political protests but would be concerned about being targeted for kidnap and ransom. Guards do not keep you safe. You just have to hope you are not one of the unlucky ones. We stopped going in 2006. Nearly visited a few years ago but cancelled flights when the Taliban got too close to our destination near Islamabad.

There was a missionary school up in the hill station of Murree that got badly bombed so shut up business. Didn't the British school in Islamabad close when all the mothers and children left?

Pakistan is a man's world. Independent travel within country can be unpleasant for a female. As a male, I've always found the people delightful. North of Islamabad it becomes the most mountainous place on earth - spectacular scenery. Unfortunately not much in the way of wonderful architecture (India got all that). You will rarely see any white tourists. I found that a big plus.

I have every intention of spending more time in Pakistan in the future, mainly in Hunza, but not until the kids are off my hands and they no longer need me! :)

I'd say that although the risks are higher in Pakistan chances are you'll be okay.