Rawalpindi & Islamabad

The Magnificent Twin Cities

ISLAMABAD

In sharp contrast to the ancient and historical cities and towns of Pakistan, the Federal Capital Islamabad is a new city modelled on the pattern of many new and modern western capitals. Located on the Pothowar Plateau and lying at the foot-hills of the picturesque Margalla range, Islamabad is a picture of scenic serenity. Constructed in 1959 as the site of the new capital, Islamabad attracted planners and architects from all corners of the globe. As if to acknowledge the Greek influence of the nearby Gandhara civilisation, discovered a few miles away at Taxila, the then rulers selected urban planners from Athens to draw up the master plan.

The lush green Pothowar Plateau surrounded by the magnificent Margalla Hills provides an ideal setting for a new capital. Although attractive and beautifully laid out with innumerable parks and gardens with a dedicated emphasis on forestation, Islamabad is a ‘compartmentalised’ city in some ways. Patterned for beauty, elegance and efficiency, Islamabad is divided into various zones, each dedicated to a particular activity or community. The new capital therefore, has residential, administrative, industrial, commercial and diplomatic zones, each self-sufficient in civic and other amenities.

Not to be overtaken by this rapid urbanisation, the city planners have kept up a sustained programme of tree plantation with several millions having been planted in the last two decades and a half. The wide boulevards as well as the criss-crossing streets are, therefore beautifully tree-lined providing a magnificent view against the back-drop of the grey and green Margalla Hills.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Shah Faisal Mosque

While Islamabad boasts of the imposing Parliament House, the graceful Presidency, the National Museum and the State Bank of Pakistan, the most striking landmark of this capital city is undoubtedly the grand Faisal Mosque -- a gift from the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia which also houses an Islamic university. Designed to blend the modern with the traditional, the mosque, with its towering minarets is visible from afar and hence becomes Islamabad's most popular and significant landmark.

Rose & Jasmine Garden

The vast expanse of the federal territory is rich in flora and fauna with a variety of exotic flowers growing in wild abundance. This, however, did not satisfy the aesthetic sense of the city planners who laid out a 50-acre rose and jasmine garden which today bears 250 varieties of roses and over a dozen different kinds of jasmine.

Shakarparian

The most pleasing view of Islamabad is from the 69 metres high Shakarparian Hills with its green lawns, cascading waterfalls, attractive flower beds and wooded walkways.

Rawal Lake

An equally fascinating view from the Shakarparian Hills is that of the beautiful Rawal Lake spread over 9 sq. km with a 100 feet high dam holding back the silvery sweet water. The lake is an artificial reservoir to store water for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Lake and its surrounding have been developed into a popular picnic spot with a rest house, a snack-bar and a strategic view point. The Rawal Lake is also an angler’s delight and fishing is permissible with a permit obtainable against a nominal payment.

Museum

Although modern and new, Islamabad is fast developing its cultural show windows. The National Institute of Folk Heritage with its impressive folk art museum is built over a large area amidst the Shakarparian hills housing a rich collection of arts and crafts from all the provinces and regions of Pakistan.

RAWALPINDI

Any reference to Islamabad will be incomplete without a mention of Rawalpindi as the two are twin cities, the latter temporarily housing the federal capital while Islamabad was being built. Rawalpindi is a fairly ancient town situated on the Grand Trunk Road, 280 kilometres from the historical city of Lahore. Although earlier accounts are scanty, it is fairly well established that Rawalpindi which lay on the path of all invasions of the Sub-continent from the north, was re-established by the Chief of the local Gakkhar tribe in the fifteenth century.

The contrast between the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad is striking. Against the majestic, urban and modern appearance of Islamabad, Rawalpindi retains much of its rustic character with the full complement of narrow bazaars, century-old houses and of course, a well laid out military cantonment.

Rawalpindi assumed particular importance during the rule of the Mughals who built the highway linking Delhi with Kabul in the sixteenth century. The town changed hands a number of times with the Sikhs taking over the city in the mid-eighteenth century and the British assuming control a century later. It was in the latter half of the nineteenth century that Rawalpindi began its military career and, with the establishment of Pakistan, it became the headquarters of the Pakistan Army.

Unfortunately, not much remains in the city by way of historical landmarks. A visitor to the city should, however, make a point of exploring its various bazaars which offer a vast range of local wares-a souvenir collector's delight. The popular ones are the Raja Bazaar and the Moti Bazaar.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ayub National Park

Located beyond the old presidency on Grand Trunk (G.T.) Road, Ayub National Park covers an area of about 2,300 acres and has a play-land, lotus-lake with boating facility, an aquarium, a restaurant and an open air theatre.

Rawalpindi Golf Course

Situated near Ayub National Park, it was built in 1926 by Rawalpindi Golf Club.

Rawalpindi Public Park & Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi Public Park is located on Muree Road near Shamsabad. The park was opened for public in 1991. It has a play-land for children, grassy lawns, foundation and flowerbeds. A cricket stadium was built in 1992 just opposite the park. The 1996 World Cup cricket matches were held at the ground.

EXCURSIONS FROM RAWALPINDI & ISLAMABAD

Taxila

Located south of the river Indus, Taxila is only about 30 kilometres from Rawalpindi, a little off the main highway. Steeped deep in history, the excavations at Taxila take you back 2,500 years into the world of Buddha, Alexander, Asoka and of course the Emperor Kanishka whose imprints are visible to this day. It is here that the world's most interesting civilisations took roots.

Visitors to Taxila have much to be thrilled about. There is so much to explore that it is not unusual to get lost in the wilderness of an unending imagination that runs wild as you step into the excavated ruins. It is here that you find endless images of Buddha. You find these in stone and in stucco. Important stages of Buddha’s life are depicted in the numerous panels that have been uncovered here. This great man of peace is depicted in exquisitely carved sculptures and statues glorifying him and his life. Each one of these sculptures is a collector's pride.

The Taxila Museum is a must for any visitor to this historic city. The archaeological museum has a large and rich collection of relics, coins and jewellery, gold and silver and of course the famous and invaluable Gandhara sculpture so delicately and exquisitely crafted by the people who knew the value of life and learning.

Murree & the Galies

The hill station of Murree lies in north at an elevation of 2,278 metres above sea level. It is the most accessible hill station in Pakistan and is connected with fine metalled roads from Rawalpindi-Islamabad. Magnificent views of the snow-clad mountains of Kashmir can be had in spring and autumn and gorgeous sunset and cloud effects are seen daily during the rainy season.

Beyond Muree the hill resorts of Ayubia, Khairagali, Bhurban, Patriata, Dongagali and Nathiagali also offer cool respite from the torrid heat of plains.

Tarbela Dam

Driving up to Peshawar, the capital of the North-West Frontier Province, over a 100 miles from Islamabad, we bypass Tarbela where Pakistanis have built the greatest earth-filled dam. It is an engineering marvel and much of the credit for its design and construction at various stages goes to the Pakistani engineers who took up the challenges with ingenuity and imagination. The Tarbela Dam is today Pakistan’s largest single source of power and irrigation water. If you have the time, you can visit the dam site, with a short detour, on your way to Peshawar. An entry permit can be obtained by contacting the Public Relations Officer of the Tarbela Dam.

Hassan Abdal

The monumental place has relics for both Muslims & Sikhs and is situated 45 kms from Rawalpindi. It can be accessed through rail, bus or taxi.

ACCESSIBILITY TO RAWALPINDI & ISLAMABAD

The twin cities of Rawalpindi-Islamabad are served by the same international airport, railway station and the principal highway connecting with other parts of the country and a host of international as well as the domestic cities and towns. The flight from Karachi takes under two hours.