Islamabad Demographics

Islamabad is Pakistan's most diverse metropolis in terms of the population makeup of the city. It has the largest expatriate and foreigner population in the city. The reasons are simple: its inviting and reasonably temperate climate, its lush green scenery and excellent basic infrastructure. The city is also a stopping point for tourists who desire to proceed to the Northern Areas of the country for trekking, hiking, adventure sports and mountaineering. Since the city has been growing into a major business and commerce centre, it has attracted a large highly skilled workforce from other major cities including Karachi, Lahore and Quetta. All of the country's diplomatic ties are maintained and exercised from Islamabad, as all major embassies, consulates and missions are operating from the city, as is the Foreign Office. There is a massive bureaucratic presence in the city as well, largely due to the fact that Islamabad, being the capital, is also the seat of the Government. The Presidency, the Prime Minister's House, the Diplomatic Enclave, the Supreme Court, the Shariat Court and other major government buildings are housed here.

Punjabis account for 65% of the population followed by the Urdu Speaking Muhajirs at around 14%, Pashtuns at 10.51% and others (Sindhi, Balochi, Kashmiri's, etc) at 7%. (this does not include the refugee count).

Islamabad Demographics

Islamabad is Pakistan's most diverse metropolis in terms of the population makeup of the city. It has the largest expatriate and foreigner population in the city. The reasons are simple: its inviting and reasonably temperate climate, its lush green scenery and excellent basic infrastructure. The city is also a stopping point for tourists who desire to proceed to the Northern Areas of the country for trekking, hiking, adventure sports and mountaineering. Since the city has been growing into a major business and commerce centre, it has attracted a large highly skilled workforce from other major cities including Karachi, Lahore and Quetta. All of the country's diplomatic ties are maintained and exercised from Islamabad, as all major embassies, consulates and missions are operating from the city, as is the Foreign Office. There is a massive bureaucratic presence in the city as well, largely due to the fact that Islamabad, being the capital, is also the seat of the Government. The Presidency, the Prime Minister's House, the Diplomatic Enclave, the Supreme Court, the Shariat Court and other major government buildings are housed here.

Punjabis account for 65% of the population followed by the Urdu Speaking Muhajirs at around 14%, Pashtuns at 10.51% and others (Sindhi, Balochi, Kashmiri's, etc) at 7%. (this does not include the refugee count).

Islamabad City Guide

The fastest growing metropolis in the country, Islamabad is progressing and developing rapidly. The city brims with activities, places to visit, cultural and heritage sites and contains a wealth of entertainment. The universities that cater to a large student population rank alongside some of the best in the country, and indeed in the region.
Quaid-e-Azam University is a premier post-graduate university, with some of the best faculty members and teaching facilities available in the country. In addition, the university also has one of the most picturesque campuses in Asia. Several other places of education have established themselves as the best. These include the International Islamic University boasting a host of international students, Iqra University which also ranks amongst the best, Hamdard University, Preston University, and a score of others. Hospitals and health facilities abound in the city, with at least three comprehensive government hospitals offering the latest, hygienic conditions, namely the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Federal Government Services Hospital and the CDA Hospital. There are also private hospitals such as the Islamabad Private Hospital, the Shifa International, and various others like the Naval Hospital and the Air Force Medical facility. These facilities all have comprehensive provisions such as ambulance networks, emergency rooms and specialized departments such as Cardiology, Surgery and Pediatrics.

<!-- -- Image map created by MapMaker32 --> Rescue 15 is an innovative emergency service provided by the city in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory police and various hospitals. These services are based around a response system to any emergency, such as theft, any malicious activity or a medical related crisis.

Access Islamabad

Whether you're arriving to the capital city or leaving, it is accessible from two main arterials: the Islamabad Highway, which links to the (historic) Grand Trunk Road, and the Kashmir Highway. From the Eastern side, central Punjab, the Islamabad Highway leads the travelers straight to the heart of the city, while from the Southern side, Northern Punjab and NWFP, the Peshawar Road leads to the Kashmir Highway, again rendering the city immediately accessible. Aside from these two arterials, Islamabad is accessible from the country-wide Motorway as well, in addition to the Grand Trunk Road and the Murree Road; a direct route from the adjacent city of Rawalpindi.

Apart from being accessible by road, the city has ample bus services and has central bus termini at several places, including the Karachi Company (sector G-9), Faizabad and Pir Wadhai. Buses run to and from the city from all major and, to some degree, minor centers across the country. A train station is also established in the neighboring city of Rawalpindi, further increasing the city's accessibility.
After extensive research, feasibility studies and a thorough review of various sites, the commission recommended the area North East of the historic garrison city of Rawalpindi. After the final decision of National Cabinet, it was put into practice. A Greek firm, Doxiadis Associates devised a master plan based on a grid system, with its north facing the Margallah Hills. The long-term plan was that Islamabad would eventually encompass Rawalpindi entirely, stretching to the West of the historic Grand Trunk road.
Islamabad has an international airport, located on main Islamabad Highway that has daily flights to and from the rest of the country, in addition to a host of international flights from all over the region, the UK, the USA, and other major international destinations. Many international airlines operate regular flights to and from Islamabad international airport and few of them are:
Pakistan International Airlines, Air Blue, Aero Asia International,  Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways,  Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, Gulf Air, Saudi Arabian Airlines.

History of Islamabad

After the formation of Pakistan in 1947, it was felt that a new and permanent Capital City had to be built to reflect the diversity of the Pakistani nation. It was considered pertinent to locate the new capital where it could be isolated from the business and commercial activity of the Karachi, and yet be easily accessible from the remotest corner of the country.

A commission was accordingly set in motion in 1958, entrusted with the task of selecting a suitable site for the new capital with a particular emphasis on location, climate, logistics and defense requirements, aesthetics, and scenic and natural beauty.
After extensive research, feasibility studies and a thorough review of various sites, the commission recommended the area North East of the historic garrison city of Rawalpindi. After the final decision of the National Cabinet, it was put into practice. A Greek firm, Doxiadis Associates devised a master plan based on a grid system, with its north facing the Margallah Hills. The long-term plan was that Islamabad would eventually encompass Rawalpindi entirely, stretching to the West of the historic Grand Trunk road.
Islamabad nestles against the backdrop of the Margallah Hills at the northern end of Potohar Plateau. Its climate is healthy, pollution free, plentiful in water resources and lush green. It is a modern and carefully planned city with wide roads and avenues, elegant public buildings and well-organized bazaars, markets, and shopping centers.
The city is divided into eight basic zones: Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors, commercial areas, and rural and green areas.
The metropolis of Islamabad today is the pulsating beat of Pakistan, resonating with the energy and strength of a growing, developing nation. It is a city which symbolizes the hopes and dreams of a young and dynamic nation and espouses the values and codes of the generation that has brought it thus far. It is a city that welcomes and promotes modern ides, but at the same time recognizes and cherishes its traditional values and rich history.