Islamabad
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. |
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 |