Rawalpindi / Islamabad
Rawalpindi lies on the Grand Trunk Road 177
from Peshawar and 275 kms from north-west from
Lahore. The twin city of Rawalpindi/Islamabad
lies against the backdrop of Margalla Hills on
the Potwar Plateau. On the basis of
archaeological discoveries, archaeologists
believe that a distinct culture flourished on
this plateau as far back as 3000 years. The
material remains found on the sight of the city
of Rawalpindi prove the existence of Buddhist
establishment contemporary to Taxila but less
celebrated than its neighbors.
It appears that the ancient city went into
oblivion as a result of the Hun devastation. the
first Muslim invader, Mahmud of Ghazni (979-1030
AD), gifted the ruined city to a Gakkhar Chief,
Kai Gohar. the town, however, being on invaders'
route, could not prosper and remained deserted
until Jhanda Khan, another Gakkhar Chief,
restored it and gave the name of Rawalpindi
after the village Rawal in 1493 AD. Rawalpindi
remained under the rule of Gakkhars till
Muqarrab Khan, the last Gakkhar ruler, was
defeated by Sikhs in 1765 AD. Sikhs invited
traders from other places to settle here. This
brought the city into prominence. Sikhs lost the
city to British in 1849 AD. It then became the
General Headquarters of British Army and they
established a cantonment south of the old city.
In 1879, the Punjab Northern Railway was
extended to Rawalpindi but the train service was
formally inaugurated on January 1, 1886.
Over the years, Rawalpindi has retained to
traditional flavour. However, some modern
residential areas and buildings have come up all
over the town since the creation of Pakistan.
Pakistan's new capital, Islamabad being the twin
city of Rawalpindi, equally shares the same
archaeological and historical background.
 Old
City and Bazaars
The best way to see Rawalpindi is by wending
through its bazaars, but you should orient
yourself before setting out. The city has two
main roads: the Grand Trunk Road runs roughly
from east to west and is known as The Mall as it
passes through the cantonment; Murree Road
breaks north from The Mall, crosses the railway
and brushes the east end of the old city on its
way to Islamabad. the two main bazaar areas are
Raja Bazaar in the old city and Saddar Bazaar,
which developed as the cantonment bazaar between
the old city and the Mall.
The cantonment evokes the British Raj, with
its Christian churches and cemetery, spacious
bungalows, club, cricket ground, mall and the
colonial-style Flashman's Hotel. Behind
Flashman's is Saddar Bazaar, the centre not only
for shopping but also for hotels, banks,
airlines and travel agents. The heart of the
bazaar is along Kashmir Road and Massey Gate.
The Army Museum, near the Pearl Continental
Hotel, houses a fine collection of weapons,
uniforms and paintings depicting Pakistan's
military history. Hours are 9 am to 3 pm in
winter, 8 am to noon and 5.30 pm to 7 pm in
summer.
Parks
Ayub
National Park
It is located
beyond the old Presidency on Jhelum Road. It
covers an area of about 2, 300 acres and has a
play-land, lake with boating facility, an
aquarium and a garden-restaurant. Rawalpindi
Public Park is located on Murree Road near
Shamsabad. The Park was opened for public in
1991. It has a play land for children, grassy
lawns, fountains and flower beds. A cricket
stadium was built in 1992 just opposite the
Public Park. The stadium is equipped with all
modern facilities.
Rawalpindi
Golf Course
Situated near Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi
Golf Course was completed in 1926 by Rawalpindi
Golf Club, one of the oldest gold clubs of
Pakistan, founded on 2nd November 1885. the
facility was initially developed as a nine-hole
course. after several phases of development, it
is now converted into a 27 hole course.
Islamabad
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is
located against the backdrop of Margalla Hills
at the northern edge of Potohar Plateau. In
contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is lush
green, spacious and peaceful. 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 bougainvillaea fill the many parks,
and scenic view-points show the city to its best
advantage.
The master plan of this most modern city was
prepared in 1960 by M/s. Constantinos Doxiades,
a Greek firm of Architects. Construction was
started in October 1961. the city came into life
on 26 October, 1966, when the first office
building of Islamabad was occupied. It is a
modern and carefully planned city. There are
ample opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking
and trekking around Islamabad in the Margalla
Hills. The Margalla Hill range offers excellent
opportunities for short and long hikes with
magnificent vistas opening up on all sides. A
net-work of trails having more then 120 kms
total length has been developed.
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Excursions
around Islamabad
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.
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. The PTDC Jaltarang
restaurant offers snack bar facilities for
visitors.
This low hill over looking Islamabad, known
as Daman-e-Koh, offers panoramic view of
Islamabad. Snack bar facilities are available at
PTDC's Daman-e-Koh Restaurant. The place is
ideal for afternoon and evening outing with
family and friends.
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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.
Islamabad
Sports Complex
A Sports Complex comprising Liaquat Gymnasium
for indoor games and Jinnah Stadium for outdoor
games, has been built with the Chinese
assistance. It is located on Shahra-e-Kashmir
near Aabpara. Regular national and international
sports events are held in the Complex.
Lok
Virsa
The Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and
Traditional Heritage) works towards preserving
the living folk and traditional culture of
Pakistan. Its Folk Heritage Museum, located near
Shakarparian Hills, has a large display of
embroidered costumes, jewellery, woodwork,
metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work.
Traditional architecture facades exhibiting such
skills as fresco, mirror work, marble inlay,
tile mosaic and stucco tracery are also
displayed. Lok Virsa Heritage Reference Library
is equipped with resource data on ethnography,
anthropology, folk music, art, history and
crafts.
Art
Galleries
Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan (Pakistan National
Council of the Arts) runs two art galleries. The
National Gallery is located at House # 77,
Street # 48, F-7/4, Islamabad, where
contemporary Pakistani art is on permanent
display beside revolving exhibitions and
paintings available for sale. The other is
Children Art Plaza, # 77, School Road, F-7/4,
Islamabad, where Children's art is on display
and regular art classes are held for children.
Pakistan
Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is located
opposite the Women's College on College Road in
F-7/2, Commercial Area. The Museum depicts early
human history, geology, and wildlife of
Pakistan. the exhibits are particular interest
to students and children.
Islamabad museum presents a long historic
sequence of the land where Pakistan is situated
today. Pakistan has been a seat of the worlds
leading civilizations from the time immemorial.
There is plenty of evidence to support this
argument now on display in Islamabad Museum. For
example, 20 million years old fossil remains, 2
million years old man-made stone tools, 7000
years old early human settlements which lead to
the world famous Indus Civilization, Gandhara
Grave Culture and Gandhara art, early Islamic
settlement and Mughal period, their art and
craft.
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Universities
Four universities in Islamabad have taken
onto themselves, four different kinds of
responsibilities. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)
was established in 1973 in sector H-8,
Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) was established in
1967 while International Islamic University (IIU),
located in the vicinity of Shah Faisal Mosque,
was created in November 1980. The National
University of Science and Technology (NUST) was
founded in 1991.
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. The main
prayer hall can accommodate 10,000 persons while
the covered porticoes and verandahs can take
over 24,000 worshipers. The main courtyard has
space for 40,000 people.
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Fatima
Jinnah Park
The entire sector of F-9 is being developed
as an attractive urban park which will have a
profusion of lakes, rock gardens, aquariums,
fountains etc. It has been named after Miss.
Fatima Jinnah, sister of the founder of
Pakistan.
Chattar
Bagh
Nestling at the base of Murree hills at a
distance of 15 km on Islamabad-Murree road, TDCP
Chattar Bagh recreational facility provides a
quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the
twin cities. Scenic walks, gently flowing
stream, water fall and the surrounding hillside
are a perfect attraction. The resort has a
restaurant, barbecue and two air-conditioned
tourist cottages. The Children's Park and
playground are spread over an area of 12.5
acres.
Places
Around Rawalpindi & Islamabad
Margalla
Pass
The small pass is located 26 km west of
Islamabad on G.T. Road. Margalla is mentioned by
historians and emperors like Alberuni, Ferishta
and Jehangir. Today, it is a pass between the
ancient capital of Gandhara, that is, Taxila,
and the modern capital of Pakistan, i.e.
Islamabad. There is an obelisk right on the top
of the Pass, built in 1890 in memory of Brig.
Gen. John Nicholson (died on 23 September 1857)
of British army, by his colleagues. A small part
of the ancient Shahi (Royal) Road can be seen
just across the pass, left of G.T. Road. This
road was first built by the Persians in 516 BC
and later developed by the Afghan King Sher Shah
Suri in 1540s. An inscription on the western
side of this stone pavement shows that it was
again repaired in 1672 AD.
Wah
Gardens
Once a major campsite of Mughal rulers, Wah
Gardens are located 12 km west of Taxila on G.T.
Road. The gardens were developed with
magnificent trees and weather channels by
successive Mughal emperors. Tapering cypress
trees, loved by the Mughals, line the canals
through which cool waters once, Flowed between
elegant romantic and cascading into large
reflecting basins. The gardens are being
restored to their original beauty, by the
Department of Archaeology, Government of
Pakistan.
Hasan
Abdal
Hasan Abdal is 48 km from Rawalpindi. It is a
beautiful, quiet place and a convenient halting
point of G.T. Road enroute to Peshawar or
Abbottabad. This town has a particular
association with Mughals and Sikhs. It was
mentioned by Emperor Jehangir in his memoirs and
frequently visited by successive Mughal Kings,
on their way to Kashmir. It remained a holy
place for various religious groups through the
ages. It has a Sikh Gurdwara (temple) known as
Panja Sahib having a sacred rock with the hand
print of their religious leader, Guru Nanak.
Twice a year, Sikh pilgrims visit this Gurdwara
from all over the world. Two other historical
buildings of Mughal era (Muqbara Hakeeman and
so-called tomb of Lala Rukh) are located just
opposite the Gurdwara.
On the nearby hill, at an altitude of 714
meters, there is a meditation chamber related to
a 15th century Muslim Saint, Baba Wali Qandhari,
popularly known as Baba Hasan Abdal.
The saint stayed in Hasan Abdal from
1406-1416 AD but died and buried in village Baba
Wali near Qandhar (Afghanistan). The devotees
and visitors climb over the steps leading to the
hill, for offerings and to have a panoramic view
of Hasan Abdal.
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Shrine
of Shah Abdul Latif (Bari Imam)
Nurpur Shaha, a village situated at the foot
of Margalla Hills, near Quaid-e-Azam University,
is famous for the mirror-studded shrine of
Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, popularly known
as Bari Imam. The shrine was originally built on
the order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The death
anniversary (Urs) of Bari Imam is observed in
the first week of May beginning Monday through
Thursday with lot of festivities representing
the Potohar culture and attracts people from all
over the country.
Shrine
of Syed Meher Ali Shah
The shrine of Syed Meher Ali Shah of Golra
Sharif is located 18 km from Rawalpindi, in
sector E-11 of Islamabad. He was descendant of a
Syed family and had links with Syed Abdul Qadir
Gilani of Baghdad. He was born in 1859, preached
and spread the message of Islam during the
turbulent times in South Asia, he also wrote
beautiful prose and poetry in Persian, Arabic
and Punjabi languages, mostly in praise of God
and Muhammad (peace be upon him). He died on May
11, 1937. His mausoleum was recently
reconstructed. Devotees assemble here on the
occasion of annual Urs.
Forts
Rawat
Fort
Rawat Fort is located 17 km east of
Rawalpindi, on the Grand Trunk (G.T. Road)
leading to Lahore. The fort was built by
Gakkhars, a fiercely independent tribe of the
Potohar Plateau, in early 16th century. The
grave of a Gakkhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is
located inside the fort. He died in 1546 AD
fighting against the forces of Sher Shah Suri.
If one dares to climb the broken steps inside
the tomb, one may get a panoramic view of the
plateau and the Mankiala Stupa.
Pharwala
Fort
This fort is about 40 km from Rawalpindi
beyond Lehtrar road. It was built 15th century
by a Gakkhar ruler, Sultan Kai Gohar, on the
ruins of a 10th century Hindi Shahi Fort.
Emperor Babar conquered the fort in 1519 AD.
Later, in 1825, Gakkars were expelled by Sikhs
from this fort. Though the fort is in a
crumbling state, it is still an attraction for
castle lovers. The fort being situated in
prohibited area, is only open for Pakistani
visitors.
Rohtas
Fort
Rohtas Fort is 109 km from Rawalpindi. It is
located about 6 km south-west of Dina Town.
Going from Rawalpindi/Islamabad, you have to
turn right from G.T. Road to a narrow road just
before Dina Police Station and then go left
until you find the city bed of Kahan River. The
fort is visible from this point. However, you
have to cross the river to reach it. During
rainy season, you need a four-wheel-drive to
cross the river. The fort is one of the most
impressive historical monument in Pakistan. It
was built by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri,
between 1540 and 1547 AD. It served as a huge
fortified base for military operations against
Gakkhars by Sher Shah Suri. It was later used by
Mughal emperor Akbar and Sikhs. Within the huge
terraced rampart walls with robust bastions and
twelve gates, are located a fortress, palaces
and ancillary buildings.
Attock
Fort
It is situated about 101 km west of Islamabad
on the left bank of Indus River. The fort was
completed 1583 under the supervision of Khawaja
Shamsuddin Khawafi, a minister of emperor Akbar.
The Mughal caravan sarai outside the fort, on
the G.T. Road, was also built during this
period.
Giri
Fort
The glen of Giri is located 8 km north-east
of Taxila, at the foot of Margalla. It is
approached through a rough torrent bed near two
villages named Khurram Gujar and Khurram Paracha,
there are remains of two monasteries and stupas,
one on the top of the hill and other below it.
The ramains of Giri fort are perched on the hill
top, with spring water falling within it. The
fort was built in 5th century by the Buddhist
monks. Later, it was used by Sultan Masud, son
of Sultan Mahmud of Gazni.
The
Salt Range
The Salt Range runs from Jhelum river in the
east and west to Kalabagh on the Indus River.
Most of the Salt Range is composed of the salt
deposits left behind when the sea that extended
over the Potohar Plateau evaporated 800 million
years ago.
Fossils of prehistoric animals have been
discovered in the Salt Range, specially near a
village called Bari Amir Khatoon, 40 km from
Chakwal. There are many places of historical and
archaeological interest in the Salt Range. Salt
Range remained part of a powerful Hindu Kingdom
of Kashmir in 10th century AD. Most of the forts
and temples concentrated in the Salt Range date
from that period.
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Kallar
Kahar Lake and Katas Temple
The main attraction of the eastern Salt Range
at the shrine of Saidan Shah at Choa Saidan
Shah, the lake and shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilani
at Kallar Kahar and the Hindu Temple Complex at
Katas. Kallar Kahar is located about 135 km from
Rawalpindi. TDCP has built a six-room motel and
restaurant over-looking Kallar Kahar (Salt Lake)
with boating facilities. The Temple of Shiva at
Katas (10th century AD) and Malot are valuable
pieces of architecture and history.
Khewra
Salt Mines
The main centre of mining is a Khewra in the
Salt Range where the world's largest salt mines
are located. Khewra salt mines are 154 kms away
from Rawalpindi. The route is
Mandra-Dydyal-Chakwal-Choha Saidan Shah-Khewra.
A longer route is through Kallar Kahar-Katas.
The nearest hotel accommodation is a TDCP resort
at Kallar Kahar. For permits to visit the mines
and to book the accommodation at the PMDC Rest
House at Khewra. You may contact their office in
Islamabad at Plot No. 13, H-9 (Manager Salt,
Tel:448407-8, 448413) through PTDC Tourist
Information Centers at Rawalpindi or Islamabad,
at least 4 days in advance.
Dams
and Lakes
Misriot
Dam
Misriot dam is located 12 km south-west of
Rawalpindi. This small dam has an artificial
lake with boating and fishing facilities.
Fishing permit may be obtained from fishing
guard at Misriot. It has a pleasant landscape
and walkways beyond the lake among eruptions of
black rocks.
Simli
Dam
About 30 km from Islamabad lies Simli Dam. It
can be reached via Lehtrar road or via Bhara
Kahu. It is fed by the melting snow and natural
spring of Murree hills. The water stored in the
lake is supplied to Islamabad for drinking
purposes. Angling and boating is also allowed in
the lake. The Capital Development Authority (CDA)
has a Rest House at the Dam which can be booked
through its Head Office in Islamabad.
Khanpur
Dam
This beautiful lake/dam is 48 km from
Islamabad on Taxila-Haripur Road. It is an ideal
place for day trip/picnic, boating, angling and
watching migratory birds during winter.
Tarbela
Dam
The world's largest earth-filled dam on one
of the world's most important rivers - the Indus
- is 103 km from Rawalpindi. The dam was
completed in 1976 at a cost of Rs. 18.5 billion.
Over 15,000 Pakistani and 800 foreign workers
and engineers worked during its construction. It
is the biggest hydel power station in Pakistan
having a capacity of generating 3,478 MW of
electricity. Its reservoir is 97 km long with a
depth of 137 metered while total area of the
lake is 260 sq.km. Permits are required for
visiting the Dam. Please contact Public
Relations Officer (PRO), Water and Power
Development Authority (WAPDA), Tarbela (Tel:
051-568941-2). A No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
from the Ministry of Interior (Shaheed-e-Millat
Sectt.), Islamabad is also required for foreign
visitors.
Mangla
Dam
World's third largest earth-filled dam is
only 115 km south-east of Rawalpindi. One has to
turn left from Dina Town and the dam on river
Jhelum is about 16 km to the east. The dam is
3,353 meters long and 116 meters high above the
river bed. It is designed to store 5.88 MAF
water and also used for power generation. In the
centre of the dam there is a Gakkhar Fort from
where one can have a panoramic view of the lake.
For permits to visit the dam, please contact
PRO, WAPDA, Mangla. A NOC from the Ministry of
Interior is required for foreigners.
 See Also:
Islamabad City
Page 3 of 4 >> Go To
Bahawalpur - Multan -
Harappa |
Lahore - Badshahi Mosque
- Minar-e-Pakistan |
Taxila - Murree
- Abbottabad
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