Islamabad: Capital of Pakistan Since 1967

Islamabad is the capital city of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Key Facts

• Status: Federal capital (Islamabad Capital Territory – ICT), distinct from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan.
• Location: Pothohar Plateau, marginal hills of Himalayas; 14 km NE of Rawalpindi.
• Planned: Designed by Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis (1960s) – grid sectors, green belts, zoning.
• Became capital: 1963 (functions began); officially 14 August 1967 (replaced Karachi).
• Population: ~1.2M (city); ~4.5M (Islamabad-Rawalpindi metro).
• Landmarks: Faisal Mosque (largest in South Asia), Pakistan Monument, Parliament, Supreme Court, Diplomatic Enclave, Margalla Hills National Park.

Why Move from Karachi?

• Karachi: coastal, vulnerable, overcrowded, commercial hub.
• Islamabad: inland, defensible, moderate climate, room for planned growth, near GHQ (Rawalpindi).