Islamabad

Islamabad is Pakistan's purpose-built capital, set against the Margalla Hills at the northern edge of the Pothohar Plateau. Known for its clean, green layout, tree-lined avenues and modern architecture, it serves as the country's administrative, diplomatic and political centre and forms part of the larger Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area.

Planned in the early 1960s under the direction of Greek architect and town planner Constantinos Doxiadis, Islamabad was built to replace Karachi as the national capital. Its grid of numbered sectors separates residential, commercial and government zones, while landmarks such as the Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Rawal Lake and Daman-e-Koh viewpoint define the city's identity.

The city's sectors and districts each have a distinct role: the Blue Area is the main commercial corridor, F-6 and F-7 are known for their markets and cafés, and the Diplomatic Enclave houses embassies and international organisations. Margalla Hills National Park offers hiking trails and wildlife, and Saidpur Village preserves a historic settlement with restaurants and crafts.

As a hub for government, diplomacy, education and a growing technology and start-up scene, Islamabad hosts conferences, trade events and business meetings throughout the year. Its food scene ranges from traditional Pakistani dishes and street food to cafés, fine dining and international restaurants across upscale sectors.

For both leisure and business travellers, Islamabad offers a calmer, greener alternative to Pakistan's larger cities, with easy access to nearby destinations such as Rawalpindi, Taxila and the hill station of Murree.