Islamabad

Pakistan's capital, nestles against the Margala Hills, the foothills of the Himalayas in northern Punjab. Technically it is not part of Punjab, but forms its own Capital Authority. Modern, spacious and carefully planned, Islamabad is a city of wide, tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and well organized bazaars. Traffic jams and crowds are rare, and narrow lanes and slums are few and far between. Sidewalks are shaded and safe behind rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bougainvillea fill the many parks, and scenic viewpoints show the city to its best advantage.

General information:
          Islamabad is 518 meters above sea level. It is best from October to March, when the days are crisp and cool, and the nights are cold. Spring is short, but the flowers in March are a riot of color. The hottest months are May and June, after the monsoon, but even then the climate is usually not oppressive, and you can always escape to the hills, 2250 meters above sea level.
          There are rarely crowds or traffic jams and few narrow lanes or slums; the walkways are shaded & safe and separated from the traffic by rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Rose, Jasmine & bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic viewpoints shoe the city to its best advantage.
          The city is divided into eight basic zones Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors, commercial areas, rural and green areas.
          Each sector has its own shopping area and public park. Islamabad today is the heart and soul of Pakistan, a city which symbolizes the aspirations of a young and dynamic nation that looks forward to a glorious future for its people, a city which welcomes modern ides but at the same time recognizes and cherishes its traditional

values and its past history.

The decision to build Islamabad was taken in 1958 under President Ayub Khan . Karachi, the capital since Independence in 1947, and Pakistan's largest city and only port, proved unsatisfactory because of its distance from many parts of the country and because of its debilitating climate. Islamabad on the other hand, offered a healthy climate, plenty of water and a central position on the Grand Trunk Road, close to Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. That nearby Rawalpindi was the headquarters of the Pakistan army was another consideration. Finally the site had historical connections because of its proximity to nearby Taxila, for many centuries the regions main city.

A Greek firm of architects, Doxiades Associates, drew up a master plan, triangular in shape based on a grid system with its apex towards the Margala Hills. The planners envisaged Islamabad eventually absorbing Rawalpindi entirely and stretching well to the west of the G.T Road.

The city was divided into eight zones: the diplomatic enclave , the commercial district, the educational sector, the industrial area and so on , each with its own shopping area and park. Construction began in 1961 and the first residents moved in two years later. Meanwhile, government offices were temporarily moved up to Rawalpindi.

Places Of Attraction:

Shakarparian Hills
- Shakarparian hills are situated near Zero Point, at a height of 609 meters. Its terraced garden offers pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi Islamabad. Snack Bar facilities are available.
Rawal Lake
- This glistening man-made take covers an area of 8.8 sq. km. The terraced garden and the lake are ideal for picnic, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden commands a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Daman-e-Koh
- This low hill over looking Islamabad, known as Daman-e-Koh, offers panoramic view of Islamabad. The place is ideal for afternoon and evening outing with family and friends.
Rose and Jasmine garden
- This 20,360 sq. meters rose garden is famous for its roses. It has 250 different varieties of roses as well as a dozen types of Jasmines. Flower shows are occasionally held here, particularly during spring. Nearby is the Tourist Camping Site.
Murghzar Mini Zoo and Children's Park
- Murghzar Mini Zoo is located at the foot of Daman-e-Koh view point. A display corner of Pakistan Museum of Natural History and a Japanese style children's park have also been established near the Zoo. The Park is a gift to Pakistani children from the children of Japan.
Shah Faisal Mosque
- This beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish Architect, Vedat Dalokay and named after late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. It is spread over 1,89,705 sq, meters with 88 meters high minarets and 40 meters high main prayer hall.
Simly Dam
- It is situated at a distance of about 30 km north east of Islamabad. The lake is spread over an area of 28,750 acre. There is complete facilities for all kinds of water sports.
Nurpur village and Barri Imam
- It is the most interesting village near Islamabad only 4km away. It is a place of Muslim pilgrimage because of the shrine of a 17th century saint, Syed Abdul Latif, the Barri Imam meaning holy man of the woods. Upon the hill side just behind Nurpur is the Holy Man's cave where the Imam lived for 12 years in meditation.
Related Information:
Islamabad Info

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