Islamabad meaning ‘abode of Islam’ is the capital of Pakistan and is the ninth largest city of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It was built in 1960s to replace Karachi as the capital city. It is administered federally as part of Islamabad Capital Territory.
It nestles against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills at the northern end of the Potohar Plateau and is the 10th largest city of Pakistan. Islamabad is to date one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world.
The city’s masterplan was designed by, the Greek architect, Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis. He designed the city by dividing it into eight zones. Islamabad is one of his most prominent works.
The city was chosen to be the national capital as it was accessible from all parts of the country and also because it is not as vulnerable to attack as Karachi was.
It is a modern and carefully planned city with wide tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and well-organized shopping centers. In Pakistan, Islamabad has the highest cost of living.
It is also considered one of the safest cities of Pakistan. Water supply to the city is from Rawal dam. Due to all these facilities provided Islamabad is an expensive city to live in.
Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the 6th largest mosque in the world, is located here. The mosque is a tourist attraction, but it alone does not pull the tourists towards the city. Due to its central position Islamabad provides a route to many hill stations.
Places to visit in Islamabad are:
- Faisal Mosque
- Daman-e-Koh
- Rawal Dam
- Pir Sohawa
- Rawal Lake View Park.
- Shakarparian National Park
- Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
- Margalla Hills National Park
- Monal
- Khanpur Dam
- Fatima Jinnah Park
- Rose and Jasmine Garden
- Shah Allah Ditta Caves
- Pakistan Monument
