By Anil Anwar, Heartmenders Magazine Contributor, Asia –
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is situated on the Pothohar (Potwar) Plateau in the northern part of the country. It lies approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of Rawalpindi, the neighboring city that served as Pakistan’s interim capital from 1959 to 1967 while Islamabad was under construction.
Following independence, Karachi served as Pakistan’s first capital. However, concerns about its location, rapid population growth, and distance from the country’s northern and western regions led the government to establish a new capital. In 1959, a commission selected the present site for Islamabad, and construction officially began in 1961.
The city’s master plan was designed by the renowned Greek architect and urban planner Constantinos Apostolos Doxiadis, whose vision emphasized harmony between urban development and the natural landscape. American architect Edward Durell Stone designed several landmark buildings, including the Presidential House (Aiwan-e-Sadr) and other important government structures.
Islamabad covers approximately 906 square kilometers (350 square miles) and sits at an elevation ranging from about 457 to 610 meters (1,500 to 2,000 feet) above sea level. The city was carefully planned with wide avenues, green spaces, and designated sectors for residential, commercial, diplomatic, institutional, industrial, and administrative purposes.
Among Islamabad’s most recognizable landmarks are the Pakistan Secretariat, Parliament House, Supreme Court of Pakistan, Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidential House), and the magnificent Faisal Mosque, completed in 1986. Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, Faisal Mosque remains one of the largest mosques in the world and is one of Pakistan’s most iconic symbols.
Higher education plays an important role in Islamabad. Quaid-i-Azam University was established in 1967 (originally as the University of Islamabad before being renamed in 1976). Allama Iqbal Open University, one of the world’s largest distance-learning institutions, was established in 1974.
Although the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 affected national priorities and economic resources, construction and development of Islamabad continued over subsequent years as the city expanded into Pakistan’s political and administrative center.
Centaurus Towers at night (Unsplash): One of Islamabad’s most recognizable skyscraper complexes and business landmarks.
Islamabad is divided into well-planned sectors and zones, including residential neighborhoods, diplomatic enclaves, commercial districts, educational institutions, industrial areas, extensive green belts, and the Margalla Hills National Park, which borders the city to the north. The capital is also home to leading hospitals, research organizations, universities, and several federal government institutions.
The name Islamabad literally means “City of Islam.” While some people poetically refer to it as a “City of Peace,” this is not the literal translation of the name.
The city’s surroundings include rolling hills, forests, and the Rawal Lake Reservoir, created by Rawal Dam, which was completed in 1962 on the Korang River. The reservoir supplies water to both Islamabad and Rawalpindi and is a popular destination for recreation and wildlife.
According to the 2023 Population and Housing Census of Pakistan, Islamabad Capital Territory has a population of more than 2.3 million people, reflecting its steady growth as one of South Asia’s most modern and well-planned capitals.
Islamabad City: Pexels stock image by Iram Shehzad
Today, Islamabad is widely recognized for its clean environment, modern infrastructure, abundant greenery, and high quality of life. It serves as Pakistan’s political, administrative, and diplomatic center while offering residents and visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and contemporary urban planning.
Now you know how my own capital city was planned. Can you tell the history of how your own capital city was planned?
Anil Anwar resides in Karachi, Pakistan. He holds a B.Sc. from Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Pakistan. He was one of the contributors who supported Heartmenders Magazine at its founding in 2014. Contact him at anil.anwar@aol.com.
Thinking about visiting Asia, Africa, or the United States? Heartmenders Magazine can offer you help. We can provide you with free information if you email your concern to us at heartmendersfoundation@yahoo.com. If you are an individual, franchise, business, or organization and feel we can collaborate in any capacity, please contact Heartmenders Magazine at the same email address.