Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, nestles against the Margala Hills, the foothills of the Himalayas in northern Punjab.Technically it is not part of Punjab, but forms its own Capital Authority. Modern, spacious and carefully planned, Islamabad is a city of wide, tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and well organized bazars. Traffic jams and crowds are rare, and narrow lanes and slums are few and far between. Sidewalks are shaded and safe behind rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bouganvillaea fill the many parks, and scenic viewpoints show the city to its best advantage.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Islamabad is 518 metres above sea level. It is best from October to March, when the days are crisp and cool, and the nights are cold. Spring is short, but the flowers in March are a riot of colour. The hottest months are May and June, after the monsoon, but even then the climate is usually not oppressive, and you can always escape to the hills, 2250 metres above sea level.

HISTORY

The decision to build Islamabad was taken in 1958 under President Ayub Khan . Karachi, the capital since Independence in 1947, and Pakistan's largest city and only port, proved unsatisfactory because of its distance from many parts of the country and because of its debilitating climate. Islamabad on the other hand, offered a healthy climate, plenty of water and a central position on the Grand Trunk Road, close to Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. That nearby Rawalpindi was the headquarters of the Pakistan army was another consideration. Finally the site had historical connections because of its proximity to nearby Taxila, for many centuries the regions main city.

A Greek firm of architects, Doxiadis Associates, drew up a master plan, triangular in shape based on a grid system with its apex towards the Margala Hills. The planners envisaged Islamabad eventually absorbing Rawalpindi entirely and stretching well to the west of the GT Road.

The city was divided into eight zones: the diplomatic enclave , the commercial district, the educational sector, the industrial area and so on , each with its own shopping area and park. Construction began in 1961 and the first residents moved in two years later. Meanwhile, government offices were temporarily moved up to Rawalpindi.