Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is an exemplary planned city established in the 1960s. Known for its serene environment, modern infrastructure, and strategic importance, Islamabad replaced Karachi as the national capital and is administratively managed by the federal government as part of the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Geographic Coordinates

Coordinates: 33°41′35″N 73°03′50″E

General Information

Country: Pakistan
Administrative Unit: Islamabad Capital Territory
Established: August 14, 1967
Constructed: 1960
Government Type: Metropolitan Corporation
Governing Body: Capital Development Authority (CDA)
Mayor: Position Vacant
Deputy Mayor: Position Vacant
Deputy Commissioner: Irfan Nawaz Memon (BPS-19 PAS)
Area:
- City: 220.15 km² (85.00 sq mi)
- Urban: 220.15 km² (85.00 sq mi)
- Metro: 906.50 km² (350.00 sq mi)
Elevation:
- Highest: 1,584 m (5,196 ft)
- Lowest: 490 m (1,610 ft)

Population

2023 Census:
- City: 1,108,872
- Metro: 2,363,863
Rank:
- City: 9th in Pakistan
- Metro: 4th in Pakistan
Density:
- City: 5,037/km² (13,050/sq mi)
- Metro: 2,608/km² (6,750/sq mi)
Demonym: Islamabadi

Time Zone and Communication

Time Zone: UTC+05:00 (PKT)
Postcode: 44000
Area Code: 051
Website: ictadministration.gov.pk

Overview of Islamabad

Islamabad, derived from “Islam” (the religion) and the Persian suffix “-abad” (meaning inhabited place), is known as the “City of Islam.” It features a well-planned layout designed by Greek architect Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, divided into eight zones including administrative, diplomatic, residential, educational, industrial, commercial, rural, and green areas. The city’s management falls under the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation, with significant support from the Capital Development Authority.

Notable Features and Landmarks

Islamabad is renowned for its lush parks and forests, such as Margalla Hills National Park and Shakarparian. Key landmarks include:

Faisal Mosque: The world’s fifth-largest mosque. It is one of Islamabad’s most iconic landmarks, attracting worshippers and tourists alike.
Pakistan Monument: This national monument symbolizes the unity and diversity of Pakistan’s.
Democracy Square: A significant public space, It is a symbol of the country’s democratic values and serves as a venue for political gatherings and public events.

Economic and Educational Hub

Rated as a Gamma+ city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Islamabad boasts the highest cost of living in Pakistan, with a populace primarily from the middle and upper-middle classes. It houses twenty universities, including:

Bahria University
Quaid-e-Azam University
Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS)
COMSATS University
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

Safety and Surveillance

Islamabad is considered one of the safest cities in Pakistan, equipped with an expansive RFID-enabled surveillance system featuring nearly 2,000 active CCTV cameras.

Historical Background

Ancient Settlements

The Islamabad Capital Territory, on the Pothohar Plateau, is one of Asia’s earliest human settlement sites, with Stone Age artifacts dating back to 100,000 to 500,000 years. Archaeological excavations have revealed prehistoric cultures, including Neolithic communities around 3000 BCE and remnants of the Indus Valley civilization from the 23rd to 18th centuries BCE.

Construction and Development

Upon gaining independence in 1947, Karachi served as Pakistan’s provisional capital. However, due to strategic, climatic, and logistical reasons, a commission in 1958 recommended relocating the capital to the area northeast of Rawalpindi. The Greek firm of architects, led by Konstantinos Apostolos Doxiadis, developed Islamabad’s master plan. The transition to Islamabad as the national capital began in the early 1960s, with essential developments completed by 1966.

Recent Developments

Islamabad has evolved into a cosmopolitan urban center, hosting significant events like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in 2004. Despite facing natural calamities like the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and several terrorist incidents, the city has continued to grow and modernize. The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus, completed in 2015, is a significant infrastructure project enhancing connectivity with Rawalpindi.

Geography and Climate

Location

Situated at 33.43°N 73.04°E, Islamabad lies at the northern edge of the Pothohar Plateau, at the foot of the Margalla Hills. It forms a conurbation with Rawalpindi, known as the Twin Cities. Nearby regions include Murree, Haripur District, Kahuta, Taxila, Wah Cantt, and Attock District.

Area

Islamabad covers an area of 906 km² (350 sq mi), with an additional Specified Area of 2,717 km² (1,049 sq mi) encompassing the Margalla Hills.

Climate

Islamabad experiences a humid subtropical climate with five distinct seasons. The hottest month is June, while the wettest is July. The city’s micro-climate benefits from three artificial reservoirs: Rawal, Simli, and Khanpur Dams. Annual precipitation averages 1,268.6 mm (49.95 in), with occasional light snowfall on nearby hill stations.

Islamabad Zones and Civic Administration

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is divided into five major zones: Zone I, Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V.

Zone I: This area covers 54,958.25 acres (222.41 km²) and consists primarily of all the developed residential sectors.
Zone II: Spanning 9,804.92 acres (39.68 km²), this zone includes under-developed residential sectors.
Zone III: Covering 50,393.01 acres (203.93 km²), this zone is primarily composed of the Margalla Hills and Margalla Hills National Park.
Zone IV: The largest zone, covering 69,814.35 acres (282.53 km²), includes the Islamabad Park and rural areas of the city.
Zone V: This zone spans 39,029.45 acres (157.95 km²) and is predominantly rural, with the Soan River flowing through it.

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration is the civil administration and main law enforcement agency of the Federal Capital. The Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC), with assistance from the Capital Development Authority (CDA), oversees the planning, development, construction, and administration of the city. Islamabad is further divided into eight functional zones: Administrative Zone, Commercial District, Educational Sector, Industrial Sector, Diplomatic Enclave, Residential Areas, Rural Areas, and Green Area.

Sectors of Islamabad

The city is divided into various sectors, identified by a letter of the alphabet and a number, covering an area of approximately 2 km². The sectors are lettered from A to I, and each sector is divided into four numbered sub-sectors.

Series A, B, and C: These sectors are still under development.
D Series (D-11 to D-17): Only sector D-12 is completely developed, located at the foot of Margalla Hills.
E Series (E-7 to E-17): Home to many foreigners and diplomatic personnel. Notable institutions include Bahria University, Air University, and the National Defence University.
F Series (F-5 to F-17): Contains the most developed sectors, including the software technology parks in F-5 and the Centaurus complex in F-8. The entire F-9 sector is occupied by Fatima Jinnah Park.
G Series (G-5 to G-17): Important places include the Jinnah Convention Centre, Serena Hotel, the Red Mosque, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, and the Karachi Company shopping center.
H Series (H-8 to H-17): Mostly dedicated to educational and health institutions, including the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).
I Series (I-8 to I-18): Primarily part of the industrial zone, with the exception of I-8, which is a well-developed residential area. Future plans include Islamabad Railway Station in I-18 and Industrial City in I-17.

Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metropolitan Area

The master plan for Islamabad envisioned it as part of a larger metropolitan area, including Rawalpindi and adjoining areas. The plan proposed four major highways to connect these areas: Murree Highway (now Kashmir Highway), Islamabad Highway, Soan Highway, and Capital Highway. However, only Kashmir Highway and Islamabad Highway have been constructed to date. Islamabad is the hub of governmental activities, while Rawalpindi is the center of industrial, commercial, and military activities.

Notable Landmarks

The Centaurus: A major landmark in the F-8 sector.
Ufone Tower & ISE Tower: Significant buildings in the city.
Pakistan Secretariat: The central government complex.
Star and Crescent Monument: Located near Shakarparian.
Faisal Mosque: The largest mosque in Pakistan.
Daman-e-Koh Park: A popular viewpoint.
Lake View Park: A recreational area with scenic views.
Blue Area: The commercial hub of the city.
Saidpur Village: A historic village converted into a tourist spot.

Architecture

Islamabad’s architecture is a blend of modernity and traditional Islamic and regional styles. Notable examples include:

Saudi-Pak Tower: Modern architecture with traditional Islamic tile work.
Pakistan Monument: A dome-shaped structure with murals depicting Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
Faisal Mosque: A fusion of contemporary and traditional architecture, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay.
Secretariat Complex: Designed by Gio Ponti, incorporating Mughal architectural elements.
Prime Minister’s Secretariat: Based on Mughal architecture.
National Assembly: Designed by Edward Durell Stone.

Demographics

Population Pyramid

Islamabad’s population structure in 2017 reveals a youthful demographic, with a significant portion of the population under the age of 64. The city’s population pyramid shows a strong base, reflecting a high proportion of young people, and gradually tapers off towards the older age groups.

Languages

According to the 2023 census, Islamabad is a linguistically diverse city, with Punjabi being the most widely spoken language at 50.57%, though this represents a significant decrease from 70% in the 1998 census. The Pothohari dialect is a major variant of Punjabi in the region. Pashto is the second most common language, spoken by 18.21% of the population, followed by Urdu, the national language, at 15.72%. Other languages spoken in Islamabad include Hindko (6.17%), Kashmiri (2.27%), Saraiki (2.03%), Sindhi (0.94%), Balti (0.45%), Shina (0.31%), Kohistani (0.22%), and Balochi (0.2%).

Migration has played a significant role in shaping Islamabad’s demographics. As of the 1998 census, the city had a migrant population of around 1 million, with the majority coming from Punjab (691,977), followed by Sindh (210,614), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Kashmir. Smaller migrant populations have come from Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Literacy and Education

Islamabad boasts the highest literacy rate in Pakistan at 88%. The city’s population is predominantly within the working-age group (15–64 years), accounting for 59.38% of the total population. Only 2.73% of the population is over 65 years old, while 37.90% is below 15 years of age. Educational attainment in Islamabad is relatively high, with 9.8% of the population having completed intermediate education (grades 11 and 12), 10.26% holding a bachelor’s degree, and 5.2% having attained a master’s degree or equivalent. The labor force in Islamabad is approximately 185,213 people, with an unemployment rate of 15.70%.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Islamabad, with 95.43% of the population adhering to it. Christianity is the second-largest religion, practiced by 4.34% of the population, primarily concentrated in urban areas. Hinduism is followed by a small minority, comprising 0.04% of the population. Other religions account for 0.19% of the population. The city is home to significant religious sites, including the shrine of Bari Imam, a revered Islamic figure.

Economy

Overview

Islamabad, despite accounting for just 0.8% of Pakistan’s population, plays a significant role in the national economy, contributing 1% to the country’s GDP. The city’s economic influence is particularly evident in its financial sector, information technology, and tax compliance.

Stock Exchange

The Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) was established in 1989 and became Pakistan’s third-largest stock exchange, following the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges. It played a vital role in the financial landscape before merging with the other exchanges to form the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The ISE had 118 members, including 104 corporate bodies and 18 individual members. The exchange had an average daily turnover exceeding 1 million shares.

Business Environment

According to the World Bank’s 2010 Doing Business Report, Islamabad was rated as the best city in Pakistan to start a business, reflecting its favorable business environment. The city’s businesses are also noted for being the most compliant with tax obligations in the country. The Large Tax Unit (LTU) in Islamabad was responsible for generating Rs 371 billion in tax revenue as of 2012, representing 20% of the total revenue collected by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Islamabad is at the forefront of Pakistan’s ICT sector, with significant investments in software technology parks. The city is home to two prominent IT parks: Awami Markaz IT Park, which houses 36 IT companies, and the Evacuee Trust Complex, which accommodates 29 companies. A third IT park was planned for completion by 2020, with assistance from South Korea, further solidifying Islamabad’s position as a hub for technological and IT companies.

This expansion in the ICT sector is part of Islamabad’s broader economic strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a leading center for technology and innovation in Pakistan.

Culture and Tourism

Islamabad’s cultural heritage includes remnants of ancient civilizations such as Aryan, Soanian, and Indus Valley. Notable historic sites include Pharwala Fort, Rawat Fort, and Saidpur Village. The city is also home to several museums, including the Lok Virsa Museum and the Islamabad Museum.

Tourist attractions in Islamabad include:

Faisal Mosque: A major cultural landmark.
Pakistan Monument: A symbol of national pride.
Margalla Hills National Park: A scenic area with diverse wildlife.
Shakarparian Park: A popular recreational area.
Fatima Jinnah Park: A large urban park in sector F-9.

Education

Islamabad has the highest literacy rate in Pakistan and is home to some of the country’s most advanced educational institutions. The city has a mix of public and private sector schools, colleges, and universities, many of which are recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Notable universities in Islamabad include:

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
COMSATS University Islamabad
Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Allama Iqbal Open University
International Islamic University
Quaid-i-Azam University
Air University
Bahria University

These institutions offer a wide range of educational programs and contribute to the city’s high literacy rate and educational standards.

Healthcare

Islamabad has the lowest infant mortality rate in Pakistan, at 38 deaths per thousand, compared to the national average of 78 deaths per thousand. The city offers both public and private medical facilities.

Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)

The largest hospital in Islamabad, PIMS, was established in 1985 as a teaching and doctor training institute. It functions as a National Reference Center, providing specialized diagnostic and curative services. PIMS has 30 major medical departments and is divided into five administrative branches. The Islamabad Hospital, a major component, has a 592-bed facility with 22 medical and surgical specialties.

Children’s Hospital: This 230-bed hospital, completed in 1985, includes Surgical and Allied Specialties, Medical and Allied Specialties, Diagnostic Facilities, Operation Theatre, Critical Care (NICU, PICU, Isolation & Accident Emergency), and a Blood Bank.
Maternal and Child Health Care Center: A training institute with an attached hospital of 125 beds, offering various clinical and operational services.
Academic Institutes: PIMS comprises five academic institutes: Quaid-e-Azam Postgraduate Medical College, College of Nursing, College of Medical Technology, School of Nursing, and the Mother and Child Health Center.

PAEC General Hospital

Established in 2006 and affiliated with the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, PAEC General Hospital is a 100-bed facility with 10 major departments, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, General Medicine, General Surgery, Intensive Care Unit/Coronary Care Unit, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, and Dental Department.

Shifa International Hospital

Founded in 1987 and becoming a public company in 1989, Shifa International Hospital is another major healthcare provider in Islamabad. It has 70 qualified consultants across various specialties, 150 inpatient beds, and outpatient facilities in 35 different specializations.

Healthcare Statistics

According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, in 2008, Islamabad had 12 hospitals, 76 dispensaries, and five maternity and child welfare centers with a total of 5,158 beds.

Transport

Islamabad’s transport infrastructure is well-developed, providing connectivity through various modes of transportation.

Aerial Transport

Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) connects the city to major domestic and international destinations. Opened on 20 April 2018, the airport is the largest in Pakistan, covering 19 square kilometers. It features 15 passenger boarding bridges and facilities to accommodate two Airbus A380s, 15 remote bays, and three remote bays for air cargo.

Public Transport

The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus is an 83.6 km bus rapid transit system operating in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area. The first phase, opened on 4 June 2015, stretches 22.5 kilometers between Pak Secretariat in Islamabad and Saddar in Rawalpindi. The second stage, opened on 18 April 2022, stretches 25.6 kilometers between the Peshawar Morr Interchange and New Islamabad International Airport. The Green Line and Blue Lines were added to the network on 7 July 2022. Managed by the Punjab Mass Transit Authority, the system uses e-ticketing and an Intelligent Transportation System and is widely used by laborers and students.

Railway

Islamabad railway station, located in sector I-9, appears as Margala on the Pakistan Railways website.

Private Transport

Private transport options in Islamabad include taxis, Careem, Uber, Bykea, and SWVL for local journeys. Careem began operating in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in March 2016.

Roadways

M-2 Motorway: This 367 km long motorway connects Islamabad and Lahore.
M-1 Motorway: This 155 km long motorway connects Islamabad with Peshawar.
Faizabad Interchange: This interchange links Islamabad to Rawalpindi, with a daily traffic volume of about 48,000 vehicles.

Sports

Islamabad hosts a variety of sports facilities and events.

Sports Complexes

Multipurpose Sports Complex: Located opposite Aabpara, it includes Liaquat Gymnasium for indoor games, Mushaf Squash Complex, and Jinnah Sports Stadium for outdoor games. The 2004 SAF Games were held here.
F6 Markaz Sports Complex: Includes tennis courts, a basketball court with fiberglass boards, and a futsal ground with artificial turf.

Major Sports

Cricket, football, squash, hockey, table tennis, rugby, and boxing are popular sports in Islamabad. The city is home to Islamabad United, which won the first Pakistan Super League in 2016 and again in 2018, and Islamabad All Stars, which participates in the Super Kabaddi League. Islamabad also offers various rock climbing spots in the Margalla Hills and swimming pools for children in the Pakistan Sports Complex, attracting large gatherings on weekends.

Recreation

Islamabad boasts several recreational spots and landmarks.

Faisal Mosque

The largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest in the world, built in 1986 and named after King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who financed the construction.

Trail 3

The oldest and most famous hiking trail in Islamabad, starting from Margalla Road in sector F-6/3 and leading to the Viewpoint and Pir Sohawa, with a total walk time of about 1.5 hours.

Pakistan Monument

A representation of the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan, designed by architect Arif Masood and shaped like a blooming flower to symbolize the nation’s progress.

Shah Allah Ditta Caves

Ancient caves near the centuries-old Shah Allah Ditta village, a historical site with connections to Buddhist monks and Sufi saint Shah Allah Ditta.

Twin Towns and Sister Cities of Islamabad

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, has established several twin town and sister city relationships with cities across the globe, fostering cultural and economic ties. These partnerships aim to promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Islamabad’s relationship with Abu Dhabi enhances diplomatic ties and promotes cultural exchange between Pakistan and the UAE.
Amman, Jordan: The sister city relationship with Amman strengthens the historical and cultural bonds shared by Pakistan and Jordan.
Ankara, Turkey: Islamabad and Ankara have a longstanding relationship that underscores the strong political, cultural, and economic ties between Pakistan and Turkey.
Beijing, China: As sister cities, Islamabad and Beijing benefit from deepening economic cooperation and cultural exchange, reflecting the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.
Jakarta, Indonesia: Initially established in 1984 and revitalized in 2010, the sister city relationship with Jakarta fosters economic collaboration and cultural understanding between Pakistan and Indonesia.
Madrid, Spain: The partnership with Madrid facilitates cultural and educational exchanges, enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Spain.
Minsk, Belarus: This relationship promotes economic and cultural ties, reflecting the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus.
Seoul, South Korea: The sister city relationship with Seoul encourages technological and cultural exchange, strengthening the bond between Pakistan and South Korea.
Astana, Kazakhstan: The partnership with Astana (now known as Nur-Sultan) aims to bolster economic and cultural cooperation, highlighting the friendly relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Islamabad’s sister city and twin town relationships with cities worldwide illustrate its commitment to fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange. These partnerships enhance diplomatic ties, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to economic development, reflecting Islamabad’s growing role in the global community.

Islamabad Capital Territory