 Moving
to Islamabad
14 kms north east of Rawalpindi
on the north eastern fringe of the Potohar
plateau of the province of Punjab. In the early days of independence it was felt that a
new and permanent Capital City had to be
built to reflect the cultures, traditions, hopes,
aspirations and dreams of all diverse ethics,
linguistic and regional groups that constituted the
Pakistani nation. It was considered prudent
and in the national interest to locate the
Federal Capital where it could be isolated from
the onslaught of business and commercial interests
and yet be easily accessible from even the remotest
corner of the country. In view of the Islamic
ideology of the country the Federal Capital had be
located closer to the Muslim areas of Central Asia
and in close proximity of the fraternal people of
Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
A commission was accordingly constituted in 1958 and
entrusted with the task of selecting a suitable site
for the National Capital with particular emphasis on
location, climate, logistic, defence requirements,
aesthetic, scenic and natural beauty.
After the extensive research, feasibility studies
and thorough review of various sites, the commission
recommended the area Northeast of Rawalpindi. After
the final decision of Cabinet the die was cast and
there was no turning point.
A Greek firm Doxiadis Associates drew up a master
plan triangular in shape, based on a grid system,
with its open towards the Margalla Hills. The
planners envisaged Islamabad eventually absorbing
Rawalpindi entirely and stretching well to the West
of Grand trunk road.
It was the technical expertise of Doxiadis and
course the dedication and hardwork of Pakistani
engineers, technicians and workers which had turned
Islamabad into the one of the most beautiful cities
of the World.
Pakistan's new Capital ISLAMABAD nestles
against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills at the
northern end of Pothowar Plateau. It offers a
healthy climate, pollution free atmosphere, plenty
of water and lush green area. It is a modern and
carefully planned city with wide tree-lined streets,
large houses elegant public buildings and well-organized
bazars / markets / shopping centres. There are
rarely crowds or traffic jams and few narrow lanes
or slums; the walkways are shaded & safe and
seperated from the traffic by rows of flame trees,
jacarnda and hibiscus. Rosed, Jasmine &
bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic viewpoints
shoe the city to its best advantage.
The city is divided into eight basic zones
Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential
areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors.
commercial areas, rural and green areas. Each sector
has its own shopping area and public park.
Islamabad today is the heart and soul of
Pakistan, a city which symbolizes the aspirations of
a young and dynamic nation that looks forward to a
glorious future for its people, a city which
welcomes modern ides but at the same time recognizes
and cherishes its traditional values and its past
history. |
