Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad Capital Territory

General Information
Name	Islamabad Capital Territory
Native Name	اسلام آباد
Other Names
Settlement Type	Capital Territory
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	33°41 N°73
Map
Population
Total	1,014,825
Density	per km²
Area
Total	906 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC+5
DST	UTC

The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is the federal territory of Pakistan that includes the capital city, Islamabad. It is located in the northern part of the country and is bordered by the province of Punjab to the south and east and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west and north.

History

The decision to establish Islamabad as the capital of Pakistan was made in the 1960s. Prior to this, Karachi was the capital. The move was intended to distribute development more evenly across the country and to have a capital that was more centrally located. The city was designed by the Greek architect and town planner Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis.

Geography

Islamabad Capital Territory covers an area of 906 square kilometers. It is situated at the edge of the Pothohar Plateau and at the foot of the Margalla Hills, which are part of the Himalayas. The territory is characterized by its lush greenery, hilly terrain, and a moderate climate.

Administration

The Islamabad Capital Territory is administered by the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, which is responsible for the local governance of the area. The territory is divided into two zones: the urban area, which includes the city of Islamabad, and the rural area, which consists of 12 union councils.

Demographics

According to the 2017 census, the population of Islamabad Capital Territory is approximately 1,014,825. The territory is home to a diverse population, with a mix of ethnic groups including Punjabis, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and others. The predominant language spoken is Urdu, although English is also widely used, especially in official and educational contexts.

Economy

Islamabad is an important economic hub in Pakistan. The city hosts numerous government offices, foreign embassies, and international organizations. The Islamabad Stock Exchange is one of the three major stock exchanges in Pakistan. The economy of the territory is primarily service-oriented, with a significant contribution from the information technology sector.

Education

Islamabad is home to some of the leading educational institutions in Pakistan, including the Quaid-i-Azam University, NUST, and the International Islamic University, Islamabad. These institutions attract students from all over the country and abroad.

Transportation

The territory is well-connected by road, with the Islamabad Expressway and Kashmir Highway being major thoroughfares. The Islamabad International Airport serves as the main gateway for air travel. Public transportation includes buses, taxis, and the recently introduced Islamabad Metrobus service.

Culture and Landmarks

Islamabad is known for its modern architecture and cultural landmarks. The Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, is a prominent feature of the city. Other notable sites include the Pakistan Monument, Daman-e-Koh, and the Lok Virsa Museum.

Also see

• Islamabad
• Karachi
• Lahore
• Quaid-i-Azam University
• Faisal Mosque