Introduction
A carefully planned city, Islamabad was built during the 1960s to serve as the capital of Pakistan. The name Islamabad means “City of Islam” or “City of Peace.” The Federal Capital Area in which Islamabad lies covers about 350 square miles (900 square kilometers). Natural terraces and meadows surround the city. The Margalla Hills, which are part of the Himalayas, rise to the north and northeast.
Places of interest
Islamabad reflects a blend of modern design and traditional Islamic architecture. The urban area is divided into eight zones: administrative, diplomatic, residential, institutional, industrial, commercial, a greenbelt, and a national park. Points of interest include the President's House and the Grand Mosque. The University of Islamabad was established in 1965 and the People's Open University (later renamed the Allama Iqbal Open University) in 1974. Islamabad has wide avenues and many gardens and parks. The Margalla Hills are a popular site for hiking.
History
When Pakistan was founded in 1947, the seaport city of Karachi was made the capital. Islamabad's site was chosen by a commission in 1959 after Karachi was found unsuitable. Construction began in 1961. A war with India in 1971 slowed development temporarily. Population (1998 estimate), city, 525,000; (1998 census) Federal Capital Area, 799,000.
