Islamabad: The Untold Story of Pakistan’s Capital

 In the lush embrace of the Margalla Hills, where verdant slopes whisper tales of history, lies Islamabad a city born from ambition, vision, and a touch of controversy. Far from a mere administrative hub, its creation weaves a narrative of political maneuvering, cultural upheaval, and dreams of a modern Pakistan. This is the story of how Islamabad came to be, a tale as layered as the city’s own topography.

The Genesis of a Capital

The decision to shift Pakistan’s capital from Karachi to a new city was not a whim but a calculated move steeped in history. As early as July 26, 1944, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, during a visit to Rawalpindi, paused in the village of Malpur (near today’s Quaid-e-Azam University) and declared the verdant expanse stretching to the Margalla Hills as the future seat of Pakistan’s capital. This vision, recorded in Molana Ismail Zabeeh’s Islamabad Manzil-e-Murad, predated the nation’s birth, hinting at a destiny already etched in the minds of its founders.

Fast forward to 1958, when General Ayub Khan seized power in a bloodless coup. On October 27, 1960—coinciding with the second anniversary of his “Revolution Day”—the foundation stone of Islamabad was laid. For Ayub, it was a crowning achievement, a new city to symbolize a new era. Yet, the move stung Karachi’s pride, with its residents never quite forgiving the perceived slight of losing the capital’s mantle.

Why Not Karachi or Lahore?

Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan’s pulsing metropolises, were natural contenders for the capital. So why build anew? Strategic and climatic considerations played a role. Karachi’s coastal vulnerability and Lahore’s proximity to the Indian border raised security concerns. Rawalpindi, initially chosen as an interim capital in 1959, offered a temperate climate and strategic proximity to the military’s Northern Command headquarters. The British, in their Transfer of Power documents (Volume 12, May 12, 1947), had already earmarked Rawalpindi as a potential administrative center, a nod to its military significance.

The decision, however, wasn’t solely pragmatic. It was also symbolic—a fresh start for a young nation eager to carve its identity. Islamabad, envisioned as a planned city akin to Canberra or Washington, D.C., was to embody Pakistan’s aspirations, free from the colonial baggage of its older cities.

A City Rises from Villages

Islamabad’s gleaming avenues belie its humble origins. Where skyscrapers and embassies now stand, 85 villages once thrived, their 45,000 acres acquired for 160 million rupees in the late 1950s. This transformation displaced nearly 50,000 people, a human cost often overshadowed by the city’s modern allure. According to Muhammad Arif Raja’s History of Rawalpindi and Pakistan Movement, these displaced villagers were resettled with 90,000 acres in Multan, Sahiwal, Vehari, Jhang, and near the Gudu Barrage in Sindh, facilitated by 36,000 land permits.

Villages like Katarian (now under Constitution Avenue), Shakarparian (home to Lok Virsa), and Dhok Jiwan (beneath Faisal Mosque) were erased to make way for progress. The Gakhar clan, who ruled Pothohar for over seven centuries, once dominated these lands. Their legacy, like the villages, lingers only in historical records, such as the 1884 Rawalpindi Gazetteer, which notes their ownership of 62 villages in the district.

The Architect’s Vision: Doxiadis and Modernism

The man tasked with shaping Islamabad was no ordinary planner. Constantine Doxiadis, a Greek urbanist, brought a global perspective shaped by his work resettling refugees after World War I. Arriving in Karachi in 1954, Doxiadis embarked on a month-long journey across Pakistan, from the Indus River to Khyber Pass, to understand its cultural and geographic tapestry. His vision for Islamabad, inspired by mid-century modernist ideals and backed by institutions like the World Bank, was a city that reflected both Pakistan’s heritage and its forward-looking ambitions.

Dr. Chad Haines, an American anthropologist who visited Pakistan in 2013, described Islamabad as a “mirror of its era.” In his view, the city embodied Ayub’s authoritarian vision while reflecting post-colonial aspirations and Cold War influences, with Doxiadis as its “ardent warrior.” The grid-like layout, punctuated by green belts and monumental structures, was a testament to this blend of control and idealism.

The Cost of Ambition

Building a capital from scratch demanded vast resources. The Presidential Palace cost 205.5 million rupees, the National Assembly 176.7 million, and the city’s roads 96.1 million. The House Building Finance Corporation tower in Blue Area, Islamabad’s commercial heart, was erected for 80 million, while the State Bank building cost a modest 30 million. Over the first 20 years, the city’s construction consumed 2.76 billion rupees—a sum that, remarkably, equates to the cost of a single underpass today.

Faisal Mosque, a jewel in Islamabad’s crown, was a gift from Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal. During a 1966 visit, he pledged to fund its construction. Begun in 1975 with a 260-million-rupee bid from the National Construction Company, costs ballooned to 400 million by completion, accommodating 100,000 worshippers in its majestic expanse.

A Climate of Change

Islamabad’s location was chosen partly for its pleasant climate, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 42°C in the 1960s. The Rawalpindi Gazetteer notes that every four years, the Margalla Hills donned a snowy cloak, a phenomenon that once reached Rawalpindi itself in 1883. This temperate allure, coupled with a health-conscious environment, made it ideal for a capital. Yet, unchecked urbanization since 2000, with housing societies swallowing forests, has pushed temperatures to 46°C, dimming the city’s once-pristine charm.

Islamabad’s Weather: A 2025 Guide

Islamabad’s climate, shaped by its proximity to the Margalla Hills, features five distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, monsoon, and autumn. Below is a month-by-month guide to its weather, including high and low temperatures, based on historical data and recent trends.

• January: The coldest month, with average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Temperatures can dip to -4.9°C (23.2°F). Expect occasional rain from Western Disturbances.
• February: Milder, with highs around 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Sparse snowfall may dust the Margalla Hills, as seen in 2016.
• March: Spring begins, with pleasant highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall peaks, with up to 331 mm recorded in 2015.
• April: Warmer, with highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Dry weather dominates, ideal for outdoor exploration.
• May: Hot, with highs reaching 35°C (95°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). Dust storms, or andhi, are common.
• June: The hottest month, with average highs of 38.1°C (100.6°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). Peak temperatures can hit 46.5°C (115.7°F). Pre-monsoon showers may start.
• July: Monsoon season peaks, the wettest month with 100 mm average rainfall. Highs drop to 35°C (95°F), lows to 24°C (75°F). Cloudbursts are possible, as in 2001’s 620 mm deluge.
• August: Monsoon continues, with highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). Humidity is high, averaging 70%.
• September: Monsoon wanes, with highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F). Rainfall averages 98 mm, with 9 hours of daily sunshine.
• October: Autumn brings cooler highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Dry and pleasant, perfect for hiking.
• November: Crisp, with highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F). Minimal rainfall makes it ideal for sightseeing.
• December: Winter sets in, with highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Rainfall from Western Disturbances averages 177.9 mm.

Annual Trends: Islamabad’s average annual rainfall is 1,457 mm, with July being the wettest. Temperatures range from -4.9°C to 46.5°C, though recent climate change has intensified summer heat.

July 2025 Snapshot: Recent forecasts for late July 2025 indicate very hot conditions, with highs up to 35°C (95°F) and lows around 27°C (81°F). Light showers may occur, transitioning to sunny intervals.

Islamabad in the Global Spotlight: International Rankings

Islamabad’s appeal extends beyond its scenic beauty, earning it recognition on the global stage. According to Numbeo’s 2025 World Safety Index, the city ranks 93rd among 380 cities worldwide, with a safety score of 67.9, outpacing major capitals like London (270th, 45.8), Paris (303rd, 41.9), Berlin (187th, 55.3), and Moscow (118th, 64.6). This ranking underscores Islamabad’s reputation as a secure destination, particularly compared to other regional cities like Lahore (130th, 63.1).

In the QS Best Student Cities Ranking, Islamabad secured 111th place in 2019, excelling in affordability with an average tuition cost of US$1,300 for international students and low living expenses. The city hosts four globally ranked universities, with the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) leading at 375th in the QS World University Rankings. Other notable institutions include Quaid-i-Azam University (378th in QS World University Rankings 2022) and the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), ranked 1001-1200 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings and 51-100 globally in Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies.

The World Bank’s 2010 Doing Business Report named Islamabad the best place in Pakistan to start a business, citing its business-friendly environment and tax compliance, contributing 20% of Pakistan’s tax revenue in 2012. Posts on X also highlight Islamabad’s cleanliness, ranking it among the top 50 cleanest cities globally, enhancing its allure for real estate investment in South Asia.

Naming the Dream

The name “Islamabad” wasn’t inevitable. Proposals ranged from “Ayubabad” to “Jinnahpur” and “Dar-ul-Salam.” In 1959, a commission led by General Yahya Khan deemed Karachi unsuitable and recommended a site near Rawalpindi’s Pothohar Plateau. A call for names in the weekly Qandil elicited suggestions from across Pakistan. Among them, “Islamabad,” proposed by Qazi Abdul Rahman, a schoolteacher from Arifwala, captured the nation’s Islamic and aspirational ethos, securing its place as the capital’s name.

Islamabad Today: Beauty and Challenges

Today, Islamabad’s beauty, framed by the Margalla Hills and meticulous planning, remains undeniable. Yet, unplanned sprawl threatens its original vision. A proposed twin city across the hills, envisioned by General Musharraf, was halted by the Supreme Court in 2013 over environmental and security concerns, leaving Islamabad’s future expansion in limbo.

A Day in Islamabad: A Traveler’s Guide

For those eager to explore, Islamabad offers a tapestry of experiences in a single day:

Shah Allah Ditta Caves

Nestled at the foot of the Margalla Hills in Sector D-12, these ancient caves, also known as Buddha Caves, offer a glimpse into history. A natural spring and modest garden enhance their rustic charm, though the road demands a bit of courage to navigate. Visit in September for cooler temperatures around 31°C (88°F).

Margalla Hills National Park

A 25-minute drive from the caves, the park’s six trails beckon hikers. Trail Three challenges seasoned trekkers, while Trail Five offers a gentler, equally scenic stroll. Bring water, especially in summer when highs hit 35°C (95°F). September or October, with lows of 19°C (66°F), is ideal for hiking.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History

For 30 rupees, this museum unveils a mesmerizing collection of fossils, from elephant skeletons to human skulls tracing evolutionary milestones. The displays, paired with vivid murals, tell a visual story of humanity’s journey. Visit in November for crisp 25°C (77°F) days.

Shahdara

Just beyond Quaid-e-Azam University, Shahdara’s valley cradles cool springs and serene vistas. Dining tables set in flowing streams elevate the experience, blending nature with indulgence. October’s 30°C (86°F) highs make it a perfect finale.

A City of Contrasts

Islamabad is more than a capital; it’s a narrative of Pakistan’s past and its dreams for the future. From displaced villages to grand mosques, from Quaid-e-Azam’s vision to Doxiadis’s blueprints, the city embodies ambition tempered by sacrifice. As it shines on global rankings for safety, affordability, and academic excellence, its story continues to unfold, a testament to a nation ever in pursuit of its ideals.

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Sources

• Zabeeh, Molana Ismail. Islamabad Manzil-e-Murad. Referenced by Professor Karam Haidery.
• Raja, Muhammad Arif. History of Rawalpindi and Pakistan Movement.
• Ahmad, Dr. Ishtiaq. Commentary on Transfer of Power documents, Volume 12.
• Haines, Chad. Anthropological analysis from 2013 Pakistan visit.
• Numbeo World Safety Index 2025. https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp
• Climate of Islamabad. Wikipedia.
• Islamabad Weather Averages. Holiday-Weather.com.
• Islamabad September Weather Guide. Weather2Travel.com.
• Islamabad 7-Day Weather Forecast. Met Office.
• Islamabad Weather Forecast. AccuWeather.
• Weather in Islamabad 2021-2025. Metar-Taf.com.
• QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2019. https://www.topuniversities.com
• QS World University Rankings 2022, 2025. https://www.topuniversities.com
• World Bank Doing Business Report 2010. https://www.worldbank.org
• Posts on X, July 24, 2025.