Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi is a major city in Punjab, Pakistan. It is the administrative capital of Rawalpindi District and is located in the northern part of Punjab, approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) southwest of Islamabad, the national capital. The two cities are often referred to collectively as the "twin cities".

Historically, Rawalpindi has been a significant center. Its origins trace back to the ancient settlement of Gandhara. The modern city was founded in the 15th century by a Gakhar chieftain named Jhanda Khan. It later became a flourishing trading post and a key stop on routes connecting Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent. During the British Raj, Rawalpindi served as a major military cantonment and administrative hub.

Today, Rawalpindi is a bustling urban center with a diverse economy. It is a commercial, industrial, and educational hub for the region. The city boasts a number of educational institutions, including universities and colleges. Its strategic location makes it an important transportation nexus, with a major international airport and extensive road and rail networks. Key attractions in and around Rawalpindi include the Ayub National Park and the nearby Taxila, an important archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its vibrant bazaars and a mix of historical and modern architecture.