Islamabad, Pakistan

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and the ninth largest city in the country. Located within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), the population of the city has grown from 100,000 in 1951 to 1.15 million as of 2011. The greater Islamabad-Rawalpindi Metropolitan Area is the third largest conurbation in Pakistan with a population of over 4.5 million inhabitants, Since its foundation, Islamabad has attracted people from all over Pakistan, making it one of the most cosmopolitan and urbanized cities of Pakistan. As the capital, Islamabad is the seat of the Government of Pakistan; the Presidential Palace (Aiwan-e-Sadr) is also located here. Islamabad is home to the Pakistan Monument, which is one of the two national monuments of Pakistan. Islamabad is known as clean, calm and green city. It hosts a large number of diplomats, politicians and government employees.

Islamabad is a modern, well planned and maintained city located in the Pothohar Plateau in the northeastern part of the country, within the Islamabad Capital Territory. The region has historically been a part of the crossroads of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Margalla Pass acting as the gateway between the two regions. The city was built during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan's capital. Islamabad is a well-organised international city divided into several different sectors and zones. It is regarded as the most developed city in Pakistan and is ranked as a Gamma- world city. The city is home to the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world.

Islamabad has the highest literacy rate in Pakistan. There are 16 recognised universities in Islamabad, including some of the top-ranked universities in Pakistan: Quaid-i-Azam University,Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and National University of Sciences and Technology. Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad is one of the world's largest universities by enrolment. Islamabad has the lowest infant mortality rate in the country at 38 deaths per thousand as compared to the national average of 78 deaths per thousand. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad is one of the largest hospitals in Pakistan.

"Faisal Mosque"

The Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan, located in the national capital city of Islamabad. Completed in 1986, it was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay to be shaped like a desert Bedouin's tent.

The Faisal Mosque is conceived as the National Mosque of Pakistan and named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia, who supported and financed the project.

The largest mosque in South Asia, the Faisal Mosque was the largest mosque in the world from 1986 until 1993, when it was overtaken in size by the newly completed Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Subsequent expansions of the Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) of Mecca and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, during the 1990s relegated Faisal Mosque to fourth place in terms of size.

The Faisal Mosque has covered area of 5,000 m² (54,000 sq ft). It can accommodate 10,000 worshipers in its main prayer hall, 24,000 in its porticoes, 40,000 in its courtyard, and another 200,000 in its adjoining grounds. 

Location

It is situated at the north end of Faisal Avenue, putting it at the northern most end of the city and at the foot of Margalla Hills, the western most foot hills of the Himalayas. It is located on an elevated area of land against a picturesque backdrop of the Margalla Hills. This enviable location represents the mosque's great importance and allows it to be seen from miles around day and night.

"Pakistan Monument"

The Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, Pakistan, is a national monument representing the nation's four provinces and three territories. After a competition among many renowned architects, Arif Masood’s plan was selected for the final design. The blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan's progress as a rapidly developing country. The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces (Balochistan,Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh), while the three smaller petals represent the three territories (Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas). The Monument has been designed to reflect the culture and civilization of the country and depicts the story of the Pakistan Movement, dedicated to those who sacrificed themselves for future generations.

From air the monument looks like a star (center) and a crescent moon (formed by walls forming the petals), these represent the star and crescent on Pakistan's flag.

Location

The monument is located at the west viewpoint of the Shakarparian Hills, and is spread over a total area of 2.8 hectares. The high location makes the monument visible from across the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

"Rawal Lake"

Rawal Lake (Urdu: جھیل راول‎) in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Korang River along with some other small streams coming from Margalla Hills have been set to form this artificial lake which covers an area of 8.8 km². Korang River is the outlet stream of Rawal Dam. The area around the lake has been planted with flowering trees and laid out with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths. The terraced garden and the lake are used for picnics, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Boating, sailing, water skating and diving facilities are organized by private clubs. It is a good place for birds watching, as the majority of Birds of Islamabad are found here.

Location

Rawal Lake is located near the Convention Center, Islamabad on Murree Road . To the west of the lake is the Islamabad Club, which offers different sporting facilities.

Fishing

There are 15 fish species belonging to 11 genera that present in Rawal Lake. The fish species in Rawal lake and its tributaries include: Doula (Channa channa), Rahu (Labeorohita), Thaila (Catla catla), Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala), Carp fish (Cyprinus carpio)and Talapia(Tilapia mossambica).

"Lake View Park"

Lake View Park (also known as Rawal Lake View Point or Rawal Lake Promenade) is a recreational area and Wildlife Park. It runs under the administration of Capital Development Authority.If you are feeling bored and down on week-end, then take your family out and rush to Rawal Lake View Park. This Park is Murree - Islamabad Highway and developed on back shores of Rawal Lake. Capital Development Authority has fully upgraded this site by constructing park, landscaping, installation of amusement park,  games and sports for all ages. Motor Bike safari, and many other thrilling sports have been added. Motorized as well as Manual Water boats are also available at the site, which run and operated by authorized persons only. CDA has displayed Rate List for almost all the amusements and fun activity. Strongly recommended for family day-out on the week-ends. Tourists and Foreigners are also strongly encouraged to visit this place. There are ample food outlets that meet your immediate refreshment needs and requirements. Very vast Car Parking is a positive sign for Families. This is a really cool place and heavy rush is witnessed at the week-ends.

Location

It is located near Rawal Lake, on Murree Road in Islamabad, Capital Territory, Pakistan. 

"Daman-e-Koh"

Daman-e-Koh is a viewing point and hill top garden north of Islamabad. Its name is a conjunction of Urdu & Persian words: Daman, which means center and Koh, which means hill. Daman-e-Koh therefore meaning center of the hill.

It is about 2400ft from sea level and almost 500ft from the city of Islamabad. It is a popular destination for the residents as well as the visitors to the capital.

Daman-e-Koh is a midpoint for tourists on their way to the higher view point Pir Sohawa which is located at the top of Margalla Hills at an elevation of about 3600ft. There is a plan to construct a chairlift from Daman-e-Koh to Pir Sohawa.

Monkeys are a common sight during winter. Cheetahs are frequently reported to descend from higher hills of Murree during snowfall.

Panoramic view of Islamabad

The Southern spot is the main attraction as it provides a panoramic view of Islamabad. The visitors experience a unique view of Faisal Mosque, the newly constructed Seventh Avenue (Islamabad) and Rawal Lake.

Telescopes are installed for keen observers. There is also a large sign installed showing an original map of Islamabad.

Location

It is located in the north of Islamabad and in the middle of the Margalla Hills.

"Monal"

Monal is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world located in Margala Hills 15 minutes drive from Dama-e-Koh. It is also known as Pir Sohawa but actually Pir Sohawa is 16 KM away from Monal almost 30minutes drive. It is a rapidly developing tourist resort. It is the most popular destination among the residents of Islamabad, as well as the foreign tourists. On 6th January 2012, after almost six years, Pir Sohawa, the city’s highest tourist spot, received few inches of snowfall.

Tourist Attraction

Monal restaurant, named after a pheasant of rare and exquisite beauty, and located at the hilltop offers great food and its spacious terraces provide a spectacular view of the city of Islamabad. Beside the hotel toward east is Tilla Grani an 1181 meter / 3874 feet high peak, easy to walk on.

Location

Located on top of Margalla Hills and 30-minutes drive from down-town Islamabad. It has a 3000 plus ft elevation and located in Monal village which is geographically part of  Haripur District.

"Nilan Bhotu"

Its a small place at Margala Hills Islamabad - Pakistan, very quite and away from the city (about 1-1/2 hours drive on hills). Best place to retreat and picnic, where you can enjoy a dip in to the fresh water stream and watch and feed fish. Taking bath & catching fish on small pond is not allowed by locals, but if you go a little further following the down stream then you can enjoy bath.

Crystal clear water pond is full of 'Mahasher' fish very near to Chilla Gah of Hazrat Bari Imam, Nilan Bhotu Islamabad

When you reach Pir Sohawa (Not Monal Restaurant, that is not Pir Sohawa. Pir Sohawa is 16 km from Monal) there will be Isloo Grill restaurant in Pir Sohawa, ask any one that you want to go to Nila Bhotoo, they will guide you and will arrange Jeep for you, without Jeeps you can't go there.