Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills in Punjab. In contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is modern, lush green, spacious and peaceful. Islamabad is a city of wide, tree-lined streets, large houses, elegant public buildings and well-organized bazaars. Traffic jams and crowds are rare, and narrow lanes and slums are few and far between. Sidewalks are shaded and safe behind rows of flame trees, jacaranda and hibiscus. Roses, jasmine and bougainvillea fill the many parks, and scenic viewpoints show the city to its best advantage.

Places to visit

Shah Faisal Mosque : The enormous Shah Faisal Mosque, situated at the foot of the Margalla Hills, represents an eight-faceted desert 'tent' supported on four towering minarets. Designed by the Turkish architect Vadat Dolokay, it is said to be the largest mosque in the world, housing 100,000 worshippers at a time.
It has sloping roofs, an opulent marble face and four towering minarets. The complex also houses the Islamic Research Centre, library, museum, lecture hall, cafeteria and the offices of the faculty of the Islamic University.

Margalla Hills National Park : Margalla Hills National Park was established in 1980 to preserve and protect the flora, fauna, and scenery in its natural state. Its hills and forest play an important role in providing clean air, fresh water, and a comfortable environment.

Mammals in the park include Asiatic leopard, Wild boar, Jackal, Rhesus Macaque, Leopard cat, Gray Goral sheep, Barking deer, Chinkara gazelle(rare), Red fox, Pangolin, Porcupine, Yellow throated marten and Fruit bats. Birds found in the park are Griffon vulture, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Kestrel, Indian sparrow hawk, Egyptian vulture, White cheeked bulbul, yellow vented bulbul, Paradise flycatcher, Black partridge, Cheer pheasant, Khalij pheasant, Golden oriole, Spotted dove, Collared dove, Larks, Shrikes, Wheatears and buntings. The species of reptiles here are Russells viper, Indian cobra and Saw scaled viper. The park is hence an ideal site for animal lovers.

Museums

Lok Virsa Museum : The Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) is charged with the preservation of folk and traditional culture of Pakistan. Visitors to the museum can see the arts & crafts from far-flung areas arranged and displayed according to motif, area and use. It has a large display of embroided costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, blockprinting, ivory and bonework.

Traditional archietecture facades exhibiting such skills as fresco, mirror work, marble inlay, tile mosaic and stucco tracery are also displayed.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History : The Museum depicts early human history, geology, and wildlife of Pakistan. The exhibits are of particular interest to students and children.

Islamabad Museum : Islamabad museum presents a long historic sequence of the land which is Pakistan today. The fact that Pakistan has been a seat of some of the worlds great civilizations is amply evident from the artefacts on display in the Museum. Visitors will have an opportunity to view: 20 million years old fossil remains, 2 million years old man-made stone tools & 7000 years old early human settlements which led to the world famous Indus Civilization.