Pakistan the Land of Beauty

Islamabad

Located at 33040 N, 73010 E in the Potohar Plateau in the northwest of the country, Islamabad is the Federal Capital of Pakistan. In 1969, President Ayub Khan, established the city as Capital of Pakistan. In the mid 1960’s the capital was shifted from Karachi to Islamabad, with most of the Government machinery along with most of the foreign embassies. Due to the close proximity, Rawalpindi is considered its sister city.

Compare to other cities of Pakistan, Islamabad is a rather modern and clean city. It is well-organized, with the city being divided into different sectors and zones.

Islamabad is rich in natural wildlife with wild boars and leopards dwelling in the Margala Hills.

Prominent Places in Islamabad.

Faisal Mosque

The Faisal Masjid is the state mosque and one of the largest mosques in the world. In is renowned because of its architecture and immense size and is very popular in the Islamic world.

The late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia suggested the mosque during a visit to Pakistan in 1966. Design of a reputed Turkish designer was selected and construction started in 1976 with a cost of 120 million US Dollar funded by the government of Saudi Arabia. The mosque was named after King Faisal after his assassination in 1975.

Located in front of the Margalla Hills, it is the most famous and recognized icon and a focal point of the capital city Islamabad.

Margalla Hills

In the north of the city a series of hills that is called The Margalla Hills, offers excellent opportunities for hiking to both serious and less serious enthusiasts. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to hike when there is less rain and the days are very pleasant.

Daman-e-Koh

Daman-e-Koh, means the center of the Mountain, is located north of Islamabad in the middle of Magalla Hills, and is one of the most popular outing spot in Islamabad. One can have the complete view of the city from the southern side of Daman-e-Koh.

National Monument

The National Monument Islamabad, which represents the four provinces and three territories, is a national monument of Pakistan. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces while the remaining three smaller petals represent the Northern Areas, Kashmir and federally administered Tribal areas of Pakistan. The star and crescent represent the flag of Pakistan and the blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan’s progress as a rapidly developing country. The monument also depicts the story of Independence Movement and reflects the culture and civilization of Pakistan.

National Art Gallery

National Art Gallery is a new art gallery in the capital which was opened to the public August 2007. It is located opposite the Parliament and the Aiwan-e-Sadr.

The National Art Gallery covers an area of 1800 square yards and has 14 galleries with an auditorium having capacity for 400 and an open air theatre.

Rawal Lake

Covering an area of 8.8 square kilometer, Rawal Lake provides water to the twin cities of Rawalpind/Islamabad. This artificial reservoir is located within an isolated section of the Margalla Hills National Park.

The area around the lake has been planted with flowering trees. The terraced garden and the lake are used for picnics, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden has a panoramic view of the lake, Margallah and Murree hills.

Other prominent cites and sporting facilities.

  • Pir Sohawa
  • National Herbarium
  • Shakar Parian
  • Simli Lake
  • Islamabad Museum
  • Lok Virsa Museum
  • Fatima Jinnah Park
  • Rose and Jasmie Garden
  • Jinnah Sports Complex
  • Musharf Squash Complex
  • Para Gliding at Margalla Hills.
  • Yachting at Rawal Lake.

Murree

Murree, at 7500 feet above sea level, is one of the largest tourist resorts in Galyat, Pakistan under the administration of Rawalpindi District. Murree is approachable by road from the twin cities of Rawalpind/Islamabad.

Important places in Murree to visit:

Patiata, Bhurban, Aubia, Nathia Gali and Thandiani.