Islamabad history

After the formation of Pakistan in 1947, it was felt that a new and permanent Capital City had to be built to reflect the diversity of the Pakistani nation which lead to the formation of Islamabad. It was considered pertinent to locate the new capital where it could be isolated from the business and commercial activity of the Karachi, and yet be easily accessible from the remotest corner of the country.

A commission was accordingly set in motion in 1958, entrusted with the task of selecting a suitable site for the new capital Islamabad with a particular emphasis on location, climate, logistics and defense requirements, aesthetics, and scenic and natural beauty which were all enclosed in the area of Islamabad.

After extensive research, feasibility studies and a thorough review of various sites, the commission recommended the area North East of the historic garrison city of Rawalpindi is suitable for Islamabad. After the final decision of the National Cabinet, it was put into practice and laid the foundation of Islamabad. A Greek firm, Doxiadis Associates devised a master plan based on a grid system, with its north facing the Margallah Hills Islamabad. The long-term plan was that Islamabad would eventually encompass Rawalpindi entirely, stretching to the West of the historic Grand Trunk road.

Islamabad nestles against the backdrop of the Margallah Hills at the northern end of Potohar Plateau. The climate of Islamabad is healthy, pollution free, plentiful in water resources and lush green. Islamabad is a modern and carefully planned city with wide roads and avenues, elegant public buildings and well-organized bazaars, markets, and shopping centers.

The Islamabad city is divided into eight basic zones: Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors, commercial areas, and rural and green areas.

The metropolis of Islamabad today is the pulsating beat of Pakistan, resonating with the energy and strength of a growing, developing nation. Islamabad is a city which symbolizes the hopes and dreams of a young and dynamic nation and espouses the values and codes of the generation that has brought it thus far. Islamabad a city that welcomes and promotes modern ides, but at the same time recognizes and cherishes its traditional values and rich history.