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 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.
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.
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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
 See Also:
Islamabad, Pakistan
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