Islamabad - The Beautiful

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located against the backdrop of Margalla Hills at the northern edge of Potohar Plateau. In contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is lush green, spacious and peaceful. Most travelers will prefer the hustle and bustle of Pindi, but Islamabad has all the embassies and some other very useful institutions for travelers, so it is quite likely you will at least be coming over from Pindi a few times.

Furthermore, Islamabad has couple of good museums which are worthwhile to visit while you are waiting for your Chinese visa. Head for Garden Avenue to see the Islamabad Museum and the Natural History Museum. The new cultural museum, Lok Virsa is a must see.

The master plan of this most modern city was prepared in 1960 by M/S Constantions doxiades, a Greek firm of Architects. Construction was started in October 1961. The city came into life on 26 October 1966, when the first office building of Islamabad was occupied. It is modern and carefully planned city.
There are ample opportunities for walking, jogging, hiking and trekking around Islamabad in the Margalla Hills.

If you are a hiker, then Margalla Hills are the best place to go, especially trail no3, you are likely to meet a very sophisticated crowd and a lot of foreigners. If you just wanna have a good time, go on the top, Pir Suhawa is a fun place, eat as much as you want or just look over Islamabad.
Islamabad has a lot of places to eat, the best hting is that most of them are in cool, shady and secluded areas...dont worry, they are safe and you certainly would enjoy.

Islamabad is the best place for people who dont want to go for the typical tourist areas. Put on your walking shoes and go wherever the roads takes you.... you are bound to enjoy!

Islamabad city itself is a bit quiet if you are looking for some excitment. However the scenary is spectalur and breath taking with it's lovely mountains and green gardens. Well worth the visit if have time to Islamabad.

Pakistan - Land of Diversity

›	Area	796,096 square kilometers
›	Population	148.723 million
›	Location	South Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north.
›	Land boundaries	Total 7,266 km (Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 580 km, India 2,240 km, Iran 909 km).
›	Coastline	1,046 km
›	Climate	Mostly hot, dry desert, temperate in northwest; arctic in north.
›	Terrain	Flat Indus plain in east, mountains in north and northwest, Balochistan plateau in west and desert in south.
›	Elevation Extremes	Lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m, Highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin Austin - 8611 meters)
›	Independence	14th August 1947 (from Great Britain)
›	National Day	23rd March
›	Government Type	Parliamentary
›	Capital	Islamabad
›	Administrative Divisions	• 4 provinces (Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan) • Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) • Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) • Disputed Jammu & Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas
›	Religions	Islam 97%, Christianity, Sikhism, Hinduism, and others 3%
›	Languages:	National language: Urdu Official languages: Urdu and English Regional Languages: Sindhi, Pushto, Punjabi and Balochi

The Islamic republic of Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as an independent sovereign state on 14th August 1947, as a result of the division of former British India. It lies between 23-35 to 37- 05 north latitude and 60-50 to 77- 50 east longitude touching the Hindukush Mountains in the north and extending from the Pamirs to the Arabian Sea. It is bounded by Iran in the west, Afghanistan in the north-west, India in the east and south east and Arabian Sea in the south. There is a common border with China alongside Gilgit and Baltistan in the north.

Pakistan covers 796,095 sq.km with a population of 132.35 million according to population census 1998. It is divided into four provinces: Sindh, Punjab, North West Frontier Province and Balochistan. It consists of such physical regions as a) the western offshoots of Himalayas which cover its northern and north western parts of which the highest peak K-2 rises to 8611 meters above sea level; b) the Balochistan plateau c) The Potohar Plateau and salt range and d) The Indus plain, the most fertile and densely populated area of the country getting its sustenance from the Indus River and its tributaries.

Religiously Pakistan is an Islamic country where 96.28 % of population prays towards Makkah. Christians are 1.95 % of the population whereas Hindus are 1.60 % and schedule Hindus represent 0.25 %. Qadiyanis have relatively small community with only 0.22 % representing the new religion. Others are 0.07 % which includes Sikhs and other religious communities.

Climatically, Pakistan enjoys a considerable measure of variety. North and north western high mountainous ranges are extremely cold in winter while the summer months of April to September are very pleasant.

The plains of the Indus valley are extremely hot in summer with a cold and dry weather in winter. The coastal strip in the South has a moderate climate. There is a general deficiency of rainfall. In the plains annual average ranges from 16 centimeters in the northern parts of lower Indus plain to 120 centimeters in the Himalayan region. Rains are monsoonal in origin and fall late in summers. Due to the rainfall and high diurnal range of temperature, humidity is comparatively low. Only the coastal strip has high humidity.

The country has an agricultural economy with a network of canals irrigating a major part of its cultivated land. Wheat, cotton, rice, millet and sugar cane are the major crops. Among fruits: mangos, oranges, bananas and apples are grown in abundance in different parts of the country. The main natural resources are natural gas, coal, salt and iron. The country has an expanding industry. Cotton, Textiles, sugar, cement, and chemicals play an important role in its economy. It is fed by vast hydroelectric power.

Urdu is the national language and is used as a medium of understanding throughout the country. Pakistan is culturally divided into four bilingual provinces. Punjabi is spoken in the Punjab, Sindhi in Sindh, Pashto in NWFP, and Balochi in Balochistan. The country comprises of a vast area that was the great center of ancient civilizations of the world. Its historical sites beginning with stone-age to Twentieth Century A.D are a mirror of the life of its people who are by nature simple, virile, hospitable and hard working. Ancient sites excavated in Taxila, Harappa, and Moenjodaro speak volumes for Pakistan rich cultural background dating back to 3,000 B.C

Islamabad - The Beautiful

Pakistan - Land of Diversity

Quick Links