Islamabad
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Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan located within the Islamabad Capital Territory. Together with its neighboring twin city of Rawalpindi, the greater Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area is the third largest in Pakistan with a population of over 4.5 million inhabitants.
The region has historically been the crossroad of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the Margalla Pass acting as the gateway between the two regions. The city was built during the 1960s, to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. Islamabad is a well-organised international city and is ranked as a Gamma+ world city. Since its foundation, Islamabad has attracted people from all over Pakistan, making it one of the most cosmopolitan and urbanized cities of Pakistan. As the national capital, Islamabad is the seat of the Government of Pakistan as the Presidential Palace (Aiwan-e-Sadr) is located here. Islamabad is located in the Potohar Plateau in the northeastern part of the country. |
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The city is home to the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world. Islamabad has one of the highest literacy rates in Pakistan. There are 16 recognized universities in Islamabad, including Quaid-i-Azam University and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad is one of the world's largest universities by enrollment, and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the largest research oriented hospitals in South Asia.
How to Get there
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Fly:
Fly to Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad, from any domestic or international location. |
Train:
Take a train to Rawalpindi Railway Station from almost all Pakistani cities and towns. Travel time varies on train's speed and stops. Railway Schedule |
Bus:
Daewoo bus offers service to Islamabad from numerous locations. It takes 4.5 hours from Lahore. Schedule: Daewoo website |
Drive:
Take the M-2 (North) highway from Lahore. Take M-1 (South) highway from Peshawar. |
Pakistan Monument is a national monument representing the nation's four provinces and three territories. The blooming flower shape represents Pakistan's progress as a rapidly developing country.
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Faisal Mosque is the second largest mosque in Pakistan. Completed in 1986, it is shaped like a desert Bedouin's tent. It is an iconic symbol of Islamabad throughout the world.
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Lake View Park is a recreational area and wildlife park located near Rawal Lake, on Murree Road in Islamabad.
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Lok Virsa Museum displays the cultural heritage of Pakistanis. The lifestyle of the different areas of Pakistan are exhibited here in statues, pictures, pottery, music and textile work.
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Monal Restaurant is one of the most famous eating out places in Islamabad. They offer oriental and Pakistani cuisine. It has amazing views of Islamabad, with indoor and outdoor seating.
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Saidpur Village, on the slopes of Margalla Hills in Islamabad, is more than 500 years old. The village has been remodeled with restaurants, but is still home to a historic temple, church and gurdwara.
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Melody Food Park has 15-20 different restaurants serving a variety of food to choose from. The food is economically priced especially for anyone on a budget.
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Kabul Restaurant, which opened in 1989, still draws in food lovers even though the capital has now a wide variety of cuisines to offer. It serves Afghani food, and
mostly beef and lamb dishes. |
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Centauras
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Sunday Market
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Jinnah Super
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Hiking
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Sailing
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Paragliding
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