Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, located in the northern part of the country within the Islamabad Capital Territory. It sits at the foothills of the Margalla range and is adjacent to Rawalpindi, forming a continuous urban area. The city is known as a planned capital, designed to house the federal government and to provide a secure, organized administrative center.

The city was designated the capital in 1963, replacing Karachi as Pakistan’s seat of government. The master plan was prepared by Constantinos A. Doxiadis and his firm, with development focused on separation of residential, administrative, and diplomatic zones, generous green space, and a hierarchical road network. Islamabad is characterized by a grid-like layout of sectors in the foothills, extensive parks, and views of the surrounding hills.

Geography and climate: The Margalla Hills form the northern boundary and provide large shaded valleys and viewpoints. The climate is temperate with hot summers, cool winters, and a monsoon season bringing most of the annual rainfall.

Government and landmarks: Islamabad hosts the offices of the President, Parliament, Supreme Court, and many federal ministries. Notable landmarks include Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument and Museum, Daman-e-Koh, and the Lok Virsa complex. The central business district is centered in the Blue Area.

Economy and education: The economy is dominated by government administration and related services, with growth in education, research, and private sector offices. Notable institutions include Quaid-i-Azam University, the International Islamic University, NUST, and PIEAS.

Transport and demographics: Islamabad International Airport serves national and international travel. The city is connected by major roadways to Rawalpindi and other regions and is part of the larger Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area.