Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. It became the country's main city in 1967, replacing Karachi. Located in the Islamabad Capital Territory, it is known for its planned design and beautiful green spaces. The city was built in the 1960s along the Margalla Hills and is home to over 1.1 million people.

Islamabad is famous for its parks, such as the Margalla Hills National Park, and important buildings like the Faisal Mosque. The city includes areas for government work, homes, schools, and businesses. It was designed by the Greek architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, who split the city into eight zones.

The city is one of the safest in Pakistan and has many universities, including Bahria University, Quaid-e-Azam University, and NUST. Islamabad also has many cameras to help keep the city secure. It is a important place for Pakistan, with many people living comfortable lives.

Toponymy

The name Islamabad means "City of Islam." It comes from two words: Islam, which is a religion that means "submission to God," and abad, a Persian word meaning "cultivated place" or city. Long ago, during a time called the Mughal era, a famous emperor named Aurangzeb used this name for many towns. A teacher and poet named Qazi Abdur Rehman Amritsari suggested the name for the city.

History

Main article: History of Islamabad

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, has a long and interesting history. The area where Islamabad stands today was one of the earliest places where people lived in Asia. Archaeologists have found very old stone tools and pieces of pottery there, showing that people lived there many thousands of years ago. Later, big ancient civilizations, like the Indus Valley civilisation, also lived in the region.

Islamabad was built as Pakistan’s capital in the 1960s. Before that, the country’s capital was Karachi, but leaders wanted a new capital that was easier for people from all over the country to reach. Famous architects helped design the city, making it a modern and planned place. Today, Islamabad is an important city where leaders from many countries meet. Sadly, the city faced challenges, including a big earthquake in 2005. Despite this, Islamabad continues to grow and attract people from all over Pakistan.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, sitting about 540 metres above sea level. It is located at the foot of the Margalla Hills and next to the city of Rawalpindi. Together, they are often called the Twin Cities.

The city has a humid subtropical climate with five seasons. Summers can be very hot, with temperatures often above 38 °C, while winters are mild. July is usually the wettest month, with heavy rains and thunderstorms. Islamabad’s weather is also influenced by three large reservoirs and nearby forests, which help keep the area green and pleasant.

Cityscape

See also: Mayor of Islamabad, Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation, and Capital Development Authority (Islamabad)

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration manages the city and keeps order. The Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) help plan and build the city. Islamabad is split into eight zones: Administrative Zone, Commercial District, Educational Sector, Industrial Sector, Diplomatic Enclave, Residential Areas, Rural Areas and Green Area. The city has five major zones, with Zone IV being the largest.

Main article: Sectors of Islamabad

The city’s sectors are named with letters and numbers, like A-1 to I-18. Some sectors are still under development. Sectors E-8 and E-9 hold important universities. The F and G sectors are well-developed and include parks, shopping areas, and important buildings. The H sectors focus on education and health, while the I sectors are mostly industrial. Zone III includes Margalla Hills and a national park. Zones IV and V have parks and rural areas.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi were planned to work together as one large area. Islamabad is the government center, while Rawalpindi handles industry, business, and the military. The two cities rely on each other and are connected by highways.

See also: List of tallest buildings in Islamabad

Islamabad’s buildings mix modern styles with old Islamic and local designs. Examples include the Saudi-Pak Tower and the Pakistan Monument. The Faisal Mosque combines different architectural traditions without a traditional dome. Other notable buildings are the Secretariat Complex, Prime Minister’s office, and the National Assembly, each showing unique designs.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and has over 1.1 million people living in the city itself, with more than 2.3 million in the surrounding area. Many different languages are spoken there, including Punjabi, Pashto, and Urdu.

The city has a high rate of people who can read and write, with about 88% of people able to do so. Most people in Islamabad practice Islam, making up around 95.55% of the population. A smaller number follow Christianity, and an even smaller group follows Hinduism.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Islamabad

Islamabad plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy. Even though only a small part of the country’s people live there, it helps create a good amount of the country’s wealth. The city has a major stock exchange where people buy and sell shares of companies.

Islamabad is also a great place for starting new businesses and many technology companies have offices there, including special areas just for computer and internet businesses. This helps bring new ideas and jobs to the city.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Islamabad

Islamabad is a city where people from many parts of Pakistan live together, making it rich in culture and history. Near Islamabad, you can find old ruins from ancient times, like the Aryan, Soanian, and Indus Valley civilisation. There are also old forts such as Pharwala Fort and Rawat Fort, built many years ago by the Gakhars.

One special place is Saidpur village, which has a very old temple and ponds built a long time ago. The Lok Virsa Museum shows many beautiful items, like clothes, music tools, and crafts, that tell the story of Pakistan’s traditions. Every year, thousands of people visit Islamabad for important religious events, such as the Urs at the shrine of Bari Imam.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Islamabad

The Faisal Mosque is one of Islamabad’s most famous buildings. Completed in 1986, it mixes modern design with Islamic style and can welcome many visitors at once. It sits near the Margalla Hills and was named for a kind king from Saudi Arabia who helped pay for it.

Other popular spots in Islamabad include the Pakistan Monument, shaped like a dome with beautiful wall designs. The city also has museums like Lok Virsa, where people can see old items and learn about Pakistan’s traditions. Nature lovers enjoy Margalla Hills National Park, which has wildlife and places to camp. There are also fun hiking paths, such as Trail 3, which leads to great viewpoints and small restaurants along the way.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Islamabad

Islamabad has many ways to get around, making it easy to travel. The city’s main airport is Islamabad International Airport (IIAP), the largest in Pakistan. It opened a new, big terminal in 2018 with many modern features.

For trips around the city and nearby areas, people use the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus. This fast bus system covers many kilometres and helps people travel quickly between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It started in 2015 and has grown since then.

You can also find trains at the Islamabad railway station, taxis, and ride services like Careem and Bykea for getting around the city. Major roads such as the M-2 Motorway connect Islamabad to cities like Lahore, while the M-1 Motorway links it to Peshawar.

Education

See also: List of universities in Islamabad and List of educational institutions in Islamabad

Islamabad has the highest literacy rate in Pakistan, with almost everyone able to read and write. The city has many schools and universities, including both public and private ones. These schools and colleges are approved by groups that make sure education is good and fair.

There are many universities in Islamabad, such as the National University of Sciences and Technology, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, and Allama Iqbal Open University, which is known for teaching students who cannot attend school in person. These universities help many students learn and grow.

Healthcare

Islamabad has many places where people can get help when they are sick. In 2008, it had the lowest number of babies who died before their first birthday compared to other cities in Pakistan. The biggest hospital is called the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, or PIMS. It was started in 1985 to teach doctors and help people with health problems. PIMS has many different parts to care for patients, including a big hospital with 592 beds.

There is also a special hospital just for children, with 230 beds and many different rooms for surgeries, checking on patients, and taking care of very sick children. Another hospital, PAEC General Hospital, was started in 2006 and has departments to help people with many kinds of health issues, like babies, grown-ups, and older people. There are many other smaller health centers and clinics in Islamabad to make sure everyone can get the care they need.

Sports

Islamabad has many places where people can play and watch different sports. One big sports area is near Aabpara, with a gym for indoor games, a squash complex, and Jinnah Sports Stadium for outdoor events. The stadium has hosted important games, like the 2004 SAF Games. Other sports spots include a cricket ground, a golf club, and a place to play football and hockey.

There is also another sports area in F6 Markaz with tennis courts, a basketball court, and a futsal field. Popular sports in Islamabad include cricket, football, squash, hockey, and boxing. The city even has a team called Islamabad United that has won big league titles. People also enjoy rock climbing in the Margalla Hills, and there are swimming pools at the Pakistan Sports Complex that are fun for kids on weekends.

Twin towns and sister cities

Main article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Pakistan

Islamabad has several twin towns and sister cities around the world. These partnerships help the cities work together on projects and share ideas. Some of Islamabad’s twin towns and sister cities include places like Beijing in China, Kuwait City in Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. These friendships allow the cities to learn from each other and support each other in many ways.