Introduction

It is the purpose-built capital of Pakistan. It lies against the surroundings of the Margalla Hills at the northern end of Pothowar Plateau. The city was built intentionally to serve as the capital city of Pakistan in 1960 by the orders of then President General Ayub Khan.

The capital is full of natural terraces and meadows and the southern plain drained by the Kurang River with the Margalla Hills in the north east.

Area and Population

The city is divided into eight basic zones:

• Administrative
• Diplomatic Enclave
• Residential Areas
• Educational Sectors
• Industrial Sectors
• Commercial Areas
• Rural Areas and
• Green Areas

Shah Faisal Mosque

The enormous Shah Faisal Mosque is superbly sited at the foot of the Margalla Hills. It represents an eight-faceted desert 'tent' supported on four giant concrete girders and surrounded by four 90-metre high concrete minuets. The central 'tent' is faced in white marble and decorated inside with mosaics and a spectacular chandelier.

The mosque was designed by the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, and largely financed by donations from Saudi Arabia. It holds about 15,000 people inside, and another 85,000 in the courtyard.

Culture

Islamabad has a combination of different people from all over the world and Pakistan. As similar to many other capitals of the world, Islamabad combines traditions of many areas and thus provide cultural opportunity for everyone alike. The markets and shopping areas clearly represents the theme of different cultural values.