Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan, located in the north-east of the country. The city was built during the 1960’s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. A Greek firm of architects, Doxiadis Associates, drew up a master plan, triangular in shape based on a grid system with its apex towards the Margala Hills. Rawalpindi is considered its sister city due to the proximity between the two cities.
Islamabad is 518 meters above sea level. It is best from October to March, when the days are crisp and cool, and the nights are cold. Spring is short, but the flowers in March are a riot of color. The hottest months are May and June, after the monsoon, but even then the climate is usually not oppressive, and you can always escape to the hills, 2250 meters above sea level.
Islamabad is a rather modern and clean city, especially in comparison to other cities in Pakistan. It is well-organized, with the city being divided into different sectors and zones. Islamabad was divided into eight zones: the diplomatic enclave , the commercial district, the educational sector, the industrial area and so on , each with its own shopping area and park. Islamabad is also home to the Faisal Mosque which is well known for its architecture and immense size.
History
The nascent city of Islamabad has thousands of years of history behind it. this the site of the earliest habitations of man in Asia and is at one end of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Near Islamabad is a site where there are stone implements made on a mass scale which were sent down to the lower reaches of the Indus river. This area was the first settlement of the Aryans from Central Asia and is one the route through which passed all those who invaded India from the North and North West. The very large number of languages still spoken in the Northern Areas are evidence of the races that passed through what is now the federal area. This is the region which has witnessed the passage of ancient caravans from Central Asia as well as the bloody onslaught of the ferocious armies of Alexander, Chengiz Khan and Taimur Lame. The banks of the River Soan in Islamabad were host to the stone age man over 7000 years ago and human skulls dating back to 5000 B.C. have been found in and around Islamabad.
The gigantic task of developing the brand new city of Islamabad could not be accomplished without an organization which could come to grips with the complexities, challenges, obstacles and difficulties that lay in the path of achieving the defined goal.
Projects
On Going Projects:
1. Expansion of Islamabad Highway (Zero Point to Faizabad).
2. Dualization of Khayban-e-Iqbal.
3. Dualization of Park Road.
4. Construction of 4th Avenue.
5. Expansion of Derbar Hazarat Bari Imaam(RA).
6. Shopping Mall:
7. 5 Star Luxury Hotel:
Projects in Pipeline:
8. Rehabilitation of Kashmir Highway (Zero Point to Golra Choke).
9. Construction of interchange at Zero Point Islamabad.
10. Safari Train project at Shakarparian.
11. Development of Modern Bus Terminal in Islamabad.
12. Installation of Chair Lifts between Daman-a-Koh and Pir Sohawa.
Future
During its short life Islamabad has seen its share of trials and tribulations starting form the initial birth pangs, to the early teething pains, the greedy onslaught of business and commercial interests and the environmental damage by various vested interests for petty personal gains and selfish motives. Before entering the twenty first century Islamabad has anew charter and new vision based on faith, hope, far sight, dedication, honesty and above all sincerity of purpose and love of the wonderful and sublime bounties of nature which lie in abundance all around it, waiting to be discovered, appreciated and enjoyed. Its present high growth rate (5.19%) is indicative of its appeal and importance. Within the region Islamabad will remain the major catalyst for activities and production. While the initial years saw the development of the principle infrastructure, major highways and important national buildings the city is presently going through a period of consolidation. Originally envisaged only as a seat of Government Islamabad has now transformed to a thriving city for all segments of the society.
Islamabad in the year 2020 would have grown from its present population of 800,000 to a cosmopolitan city of around 1.5 million, a city which has worked to facilitate the general well being of its inhabitants, be it social, cultural, economic, political or environmental. Resources being limited assigning priorities would be crucial. To meet the challenge the participation of the citizens would undoubtedly play a vital role in the future development of the city. The endeavor of all of us is to make Islamabad a truly enjoyable experience.
