F14 kms north east of Rawalpindi on the north eastern fringe of the
Potohar plateau of the province of Punjab.
In the early days of independence it was felt that a new and permanent
Capital City had to be built to reflect the cultures, traditions,
hopes, aspirations and dreams of all diverse ethics, linguistic and
regional groups that consituted the Pakistani nation. It was
considered prudent and in the national interest to locate the Federal
Capital where it could be isolated from the onslaught of business and
commercial interests and yet be easily accessible from even the
remotest corner of the country. In view of the Islamic ideology of the
country the Federal Capital had be located closer to the Muslim areas
of Centeral Asia and in close proximity of the fraternal people of
Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
A commission was accordingly constitued in 1958 and entrusted with the
task of selecting a suitable site for the National Capital with
particular emphasis on location, climate, logistic, defence
requirements, aesthetic, scenic and natural beauty.
After the extensive research, feasibility studies and thorough review
of various sites, the commission recommended the area Northeast of
Rawalpindi. After the finaldecision of Cabinet the die was cast and
there was no turning point.
A Greek firm Doxiadis Associates drew up a master plan triangular in
shape, based on a grid system, with its opex towards the Margalla
Hills. The planners envisaged Islamabad eventully absorbing Rawalpindi
entirely and stretching well to the West of Grand trunk road.
It was the technical expertise of Doxiadis and course the dedication
and hardwork of Pakistani engineers, technicians and workers which had
turned Islamabad into the one of the most beautiful cities of the
World.
Pakistan's new Capital ISLAMABAD nestles against the backdrop of the
Margalla Hills at the northern end of Pothowar Plateau. It offers a
healthy climate, pollution free atmosphere, plenty of water and lush
green area. It is a modern and carefully planned city with wide
tree-lined streets, large houses elegant public buildings and well-organised
bazars/markets/shopping centres. There are rarely crowds or traffic
jams and few narrow lanes or slums; the walkways are shaded & safe and
seperated from the traffic by rows of flame trees, jacarnda and
hibiscus. Rosed, Jasmine & bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic
viewpoints shoe the city to its best advantage.
The city is divided into eight basic zones Administrative, diplomatic
enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors.
commercial areas, rural and green areas. Each sector has its own
shopping area and public park.
Islamabad today is the heart and soul of Pakistan, a city which
symbolizes the aspirations of a young and dynamic nation that looks
forward to a glorious future for its people, a city which welcomes
modern ides but at the same time recognizes and cherishes its
traditional values and its past history.
Federal Capital Area
Current population of the City 901137
Current population of the country 152136840
Population of the country in 1998 148166000
Population of the country in 2050 345484000
Population Growth 2.68%
Unemployment 27%
Female/Male Ratio
(females per 100 males, 1997) 94
Nationality Pakistani(s)
Language Urdu (official), English (official; lingua franca of
Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Punjabi 64%, Sindhi
12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi and other 9%
Religion Muslim 97%
Christian, Hindu, and other 3%
Geography Pakistan is situated in the western part of the Indian
subcontinent,with Afghanistan and Iran on the west.
Currency Pakistani rupee
Map Reference
Northern latitudes 33° 49' and longitudes 72° 24' east of Greenwich.
Altitude
Lying at altitudes ranging from 457 to 610 meters.
Humidity Average yearly humidity 55 %
Rainfall Average yearly rainfall 1143 millimeters.
Landscape The Capital aea is an expanse of natural terraces and
meadows and the southern plain drained by the Kurang River with the
Margalla Hills in the north east.
AREA
Total area 906.50 Sqr. Kms.
Islamabad Proper 220.15 Sqr. Kms.
Islamabad Park 220.15 Sqr. Kms.
Islamabad Rural area 466.00 Sqr. Kms.
Specified area 3626.00 Sqr. Kms.
TEMPERATURE
Seasons Maximum Average Minimum Average
Winter (Oct-Mar) 16.6 C 3.4 C
Summer (Apr - Sept) 34.2 C 24.4 C
Annual average 28.9 C 14.4 C
POPULATION
1998 9,01,137 Approx.
1992 3,80,000
1982 2,10,000
1978 1,65,000
1972 76,000
Entry Points
Shahrah-e-Islamabad from Rawat
Shahrah-e-Kashmir from Murree
Shahrah-e-Kashmir from Tarnol
Faizabad from Rawalpindi
Thanks for courtesy :
www.islamabad.net
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Pakistan
Major Cities List