Islamabad A Cosmopolitan since Ancient Times

Islamabad is the capital of the sixth most populated country of the world that is Pakistan. It is situated at the foot of Margalla Hills which is itself part of the lesser Himalayan range. Made the capital of Pakistan in 1966, this most advanced city of the country has a population of over 1.5 million now. Historically Islamabad has been a pathway for the invaders and settlers in the Middle East. It was a stop-over for armies of Genghis Khan, Timor, Ahmad Shah Durrani and Alexender the Great. Hundreds of Buddhists come to Islamabad every year as according to the tradition, Gautam Buddha came to the region and liked it. A large number of Hindus also come to visit the city because of their temples that have been preserved by the government of Pakistan and a number of holy ponds made here by Raja Man Singh in Moghal era. The holy shrine of Pir Mehar Ali Shah is in Golra Sharif near Islamabad and also the shrine of Bari Imam that are visited by thousands of Muslims during the year. According to some reports more than a million people attend the Urs of Bari Imam every year. Islamabad has some of the most beautiful sites in the whole of the world. Shah Faisal Masjid built here in 1986 with the cooperation of Saudi Arabia is the sixth largest Masjid of the world. Shakkar Parian, Rawal Dam and Daaman-e-Koh are some beautiful sites that all visitors must visit. Jinnah Super Market is just like any international market that is especially popular among tourists as they find both the Western and Pakistani style of products in this market. Some of the best housing societies in the country like Bahria Town Islamabad, DHA Valley Islamabad and Defence Housing Authority mark the apex of living standard in Islamabad. Rich in history, like all the parts of the country, this city however, is the most modern of all the Pakistani cities. Host of several international events like South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2005, Islamabad is the center of attention of the world for the last 10 years due to the War on terror being fought in Afghanistan since 2001. The people of Islamabad mostly speak Punjabi while there is a large number of Urdu and Pashto speaking people as well. In 1998, this city was connected to the first of its kind Motorway in the region. It is a tourists heaven with international standard Serena and Marriott hotels and numerous guest houses and rest houses at all rates are available here. The living style of Islamabad is quite similar to the European style as the design of the city was made by Greek firm of architects, Konstantinos Apostolos Doxiadis which designed it in grid style. The city is triangular in shape. If one is a tourist and has no idea where he has to go, all he needs is a vehicle and a list of worth watching places of the city and the sign-boards in the city will do the rest for him.