Islamabad, the capital city of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is known for its modern architecture, greenery, peace, and calmness. The city replaced Karachi as the capital city in August 1967. Karachi, the coastal city of Pakistan, served as the capital of Pakistan for over 20 years after independence.
Islamabad is the country’s ninth most populous city with a population of 1.015 million (2017) United Nations. The city is surrounded by a carpet of lush green Margalla hills, an extension of “The Himalayas”.
It is a well-planned city, administered by the federal government of Pakistan. Moreover, it is located in the northern part of Pakistan with five different seasons namely summer, winter, monsoon, autumn, and spring.
A Sneak Peek at Islamabad’s Design and Culture
Islamabad is an example of meticulously designed infrastructure, originally planned by Greek architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis. The city is divided into various sectors and zones, each serving distinct residential and commercial purposes.
The sectors of Islamabad are further categorized into residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. Residential sectors constitute F-series, G-series, H-series, and I-series. F-series comprises mainly spacious homes, embassies, and high-end markets. This series is marked by affluent housing societies. Whereas, G-series is occupied by middle to high-class housing. Moving ahead, H-series is a network of educational institutions like the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) and Islamic International University (IIU). I-series is a mix of commercial and residential areas.
Furthermore, Islamabad is divided into five different zones, each serving its distinct function.
Zone I is the most urbanized zone with a range of commercial facilities for everyone residing in the area.
Zone II is known for its scenic views and pleasant atmosphere, serving the community with a sense of peace and calmness. This zone is of special importance because of its proximity to Margalla Hills.
Zone III encompasses hiking trails, recreational spots, and a scenic viewpoint of “Daman-e-Koh”. The word Daman-e-Koh” originated from the Persian language, which means “Foot of the Mountain”. This is a renowned lookout, located in the heart of the Margalla Hills, providing a scenic view and a tranquil environment to the visitors.
Zone IV includes agricultural lands and areas like Bani Gala and Chak Shahzad. This area comprises mainly farmhouses and scenic viewpoints.
Lastly, Zone V encircles modernly designed residential communities like DHA Islamabad and Bahria Town. These communities are a top-notch example of the city’s state-of-the-art amenities and facilities.
“Islamabad’s emergence as an economic hub”
Recently, Islamabad has emerged as an economic center mainly due to its concentration of educational institutions, government offices, embassies, diplomatic missions, and ministries. This concentration drives significant economic activity, bolstering the city’s capital income, and thus contributing to its economic position.
Islamabad is home to numerous commercial centers like the Blue Area, Jinnah Supermarket, and Centaurus Mall. These areas attract locals by offering essential amenities, thereby contributing to the city’s economic sustainability.
Moreover, Islamabad’s strategically devised housing schemes like Bahria Town and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) attract real estate investors and foster the city’s economic capacity through property transactions, job opportunities in construction and infrastructure, and investments in multiple construction projects.
“Thriving Healthcare Sector in Islamabad”
Islamabad’s healthcare sector offers a wide range of medical facilities, ranging from primary to specialized medical treatments. The city hosts a well-managed network of hospitals, based on state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
The hospitals are equipped with modern tools and medical devices, ensuring comprehensive and fast delivery of medical services to the locals and outsiders.
Healthcare facilities in Islamabad engage in medical research and innovation, contributing to advancements in healthcare practices.
The research centers in Islamabad territory are also focused on raising awareness regarding public health, making the non-medics aware of the latest concerns in medicine and public health. All these factors highlight the dynamic and flourishing nature of Islamabad’s healthcare sector.
“Islamabad: A prime tourist destination”
Islamabad is known for its scenic surroundings, situated at the foothills of Margalla Hills. Tourism in Islamabad is a blend of its culture, lush greenery, and modern facilities.
The city is home to many breathtaking viewpoints like Daman-e-Koh, and Shakarparian, Hiking trails like Trail 5 and Trail 3, amusement parks e.g. F9 park, Fatimah Jinnah Park, Japanese park, Rose and Jasmine Garden, etc.
Additionally, the city is rich in cultural sites like “The Monument of Pakistan” and “Shah Faisal Mosque”. This mosque is widely known as one of the most beautiful mosques in the entire world, showcasing modern architecture and a peaceful ambiance. The Pakistan Monument exhibits the culture and history of Pakistan through the lens of time.
Rawal Lake offers a lot of outdoor activities for visitors primarily including paragliding and boating. Moreover, the visitors can also engage themselves in various joyous activities like trekking, hiking, art exhibitions, and exploring traditional handicrafts at local art galleries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Islamabad stands out as a serene and peaceful destination for you if you are looking to plan your next trip. You would not get bored exploring the city’s highlights expanding from the serenity of Daman-e-Koh to the architectural marvels like the Faisal Mosque. With its diverse attractions, the city welcomes everyone to immerse themselves in the tranquility of its surroundings.
So, when are you gearing up for a trip to Islamabad?
