Main image: Fassifarooq, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Islamabad’s airport is one of Pakistan’s main hubs and has the most international connections, including direct flights to London operated by British Airways. The capital is also connected by bus to all other major Pakistani cities, including Gilgit in the remote Northern Areas.
Islamabad’s main landmark is the Shah Faisal Mosque, the second largest in the world. Shaped like a Bedouin’s tent pitched against four slim 90-metre-high minarets, it’s best visited at sunset when it lights up against the darkening sky.
Other locations to visit:
The delightful symmetries of the Pakistan Monument set on the western Shakarparian Hills also deserve a visit. It’s best to come in the early morning before the crowds arrive to have the place to yourself. Only a few minutes’ walk away is the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, a mix of outdoor and indoor exhibits of history, arts and culture from Pakistan and other Central Asian nations.
- Lok Virsa Heritage Museum (National Museum of Ethnology)
- Pakistan Monument
- Saidpur Village
- Fatima Jinnah Park
- Shah Allah Ditta Caves
- Bruti
- Lake View Park and Rawal Lake Bird Aviary
- Golra Railway Station and Museum
- Hiking Trails
- Daman e Koh
- Pakistan Museum of Natural History
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located against the backdrop of Margallah Hills at the northern edge of Potohar Plateau. In contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is lush green, spacious and peaceful.
The master plan of this modern city was prepared in 1960 by M/S Constantinos Doxiades, a Greek firm of Architects. Construction was started in October 1961. The city came into life on 26 October 1966, when the first office building of Islamabad was occupied.
It is a carefully planned city with wide tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and well-organized bazaars. The walkways are shaded and separated from the traffic by rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic viewpoints showing the city to its best advantage.
The walkways are shaded and separated from the traffic by rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic viewpoints showing the city to its best advantage.
Being one of the most liberal cities in the country, Islamabad is the best place to explore Pakistan’s arts and culture. One example is the Islamabad Literature Festival, a spin-off event of Karachi’s.
Islamabad is home to many diplomats, government officials and foreign workers and is reflected in their cuisine. Islamabad celebrates food festivals through its ethnic groups. Among foreigners and people of a more affluent background are seen in a famous eating area known as Kohsar Market which includes many cafe’s and restaurants that range from Pakistani, continental to Thai cuisine.
The mega cultural event of Pakistan popularly called “Lok Mela” which is celebrated in the month of November. The 10-day event aims at promoting, perpetuating and preserving arts, crafts, culture, folk music and traditional skills of Pakistan.
This unique event has now become a symbol of our rich cultural diversity and active participation of the people. The Mela also places special emphasis on creating provincial harmony and national integration. Following events/festivals also celebrated in Islamabad.
- Pakistan Celebration Day
- Islamabad Marathon
- Independence Day
- Water Sports Gala
- World Tourism Day
- Molecular Gastronomy & Fusin Food Festival
Islamabad has an average high temperature of 29°C, with June being the hottest month and reaching up to 38°C. Winters are mild.
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and a net contributor to the Pakistani economy. Islamabad has seen an expansion in information and communications technology with the addition three Software Technology Parks which house numerous national and foreign technological and IT companies.
Most of Pakistan’s state-owned companies like Pakistan International Airlines, PTV, PTCL, OGDCL, and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd. Headquarters of all major telecommunication operators such as PTCL, Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone, China Mobile and are located in Islamabad.
