Islamabad Travel Guide, Pakistan

The Sister City of Rawalpindi, Islamabad happens to be the current capital of Pakistan. Islamabad lies in the North of Pakistan and it is situated on Potohar Plateau. Islamabad was initially part of a crossroad made up by the North - West Frontier Province and Punjab (the famous Margala Pass was the gateway through Islamabad to the North - West Frontier Province).

 Karachi was initially the capital of Pakistan and it was in the year 1960 that Islamabad was named the capital of Pakistan. Karachi was the most developed city in those days and hence it was its capital.

As Islamabad was built after the Independence of Pakistan, organized plans have been used for the city. Islamabad is literally the cleanest city when compared to the rest of the cities in Pakistan. Islamabad has been divided into 8 zones, namely the commercial district, the diplomatic enclave, the industrial area, the educational sector etc. Each sector has its personal park and shopping area, thus, it is easier for those who live in these sectors. The very famous Faisal Masjid is also a part of Islamabad. Faisal Masjid is world famous for its design and architecture. King Faisal of Saudi Arab donated the cost that was incurred to build Faisal Masjid.

 The ancient city of Gakhar and the modern capital of Pakistan are located next to each other. These two cities reflect the past and present of Pakistan side by side, thus making this pair an important tourist spot. The government of Pakistan has decided to build three lakes in and around Islamabad namely Simli, Rawal, and Khanpur Dam. These three lakes play a major role in regulating the climate of Islamabad. The city experiences hot temperatures during summer while winters aren’t that cold. Minimum temperature can reach minus 3.9 degree Celsius while the maximum temperature can reach the heights of 46 degree Celsius.

 New Islamabad International Airport is spread over an area of 15 square kilometers and will have world class amenities once it is complete. The construction of this airport started somewhere in April, 2007 and it is expected that in three years the airport will be totally ready for the public.

 As of now, the CDA (Capital Development Authority) is working on a rapid transit system which would help people move from one part of the city to the other.