Islamabad: The Capital City
Islamabad is located in the lap of crescent shaped Margalla hills. It is greener, cleaner and better planned than most other cities in that region of the world. The idea of building a new Capital of Pakistan was conceived by President Ayub Khan and construction work was started in early sixties. The ancient Taxila, now in ruins, lies on the western slopes of the Margallas while Islamabad, the modern Capital of Pakistan, is located on the eastern slopes of the Margallas. In the ancient days, Taxila was the Capital of powerful Buddhist empire and attracted monks and missionaries from various parts of the world. Federal Territory is dissected by several small rivers and streams. During the past few years, many beautiful man-made lakes have been added to the landscape of the area. These include the Simly, Khanpur and Rawal lakes.
Travellers entering Islamabad for the first time are struck by its greenness. More than six million trees have been planted here since the foundations were laid. The result is that, from the air, the capital seems to have been thrown down in the midst of virgin forest. The best viewpoint is from Daman-e-Koh, a terraced garden on the Margalla hills, from where it is possible to see the whole of Islamabad spread out in front, dominated by the towering minarets of the new Shah Faisal Mosque. The air, at some 1700 feet above sea-level is fresh and bracing. The nights are cool throughout the year and there are even occasional snow falls in the winter.
