Islamabad on the Map (A Few Stats )

[Tanha Karim]

Islamabad on the Map (A Few Stats )

Here are a few stats that I thought would share with you guys. Though some of the things in this need to be changed but overall the info is good.

I hope you like it.


About Islamabad

14 kms north east of Rawalpindi on the north eastern fringe of the Potohar plateau of the province of Punjab.

In the early days of independence it was felt that a new and permanent Capital City had to be built to reflect the cultures, traditions, hopes, aspirations and dreams of all diverse ethics, linguistic and regional groups that consituted the Pakistani nation. It was considered prudent and in the national interest to locate the Federal Capital where it could be isolated from the onslaught of business and commercial interests and yet be easily accessible from even the remotest corner of the country. In view of the Islamic ideology of the country the Federal Capital had be located closer to the Muslim areas of Centeral Asia and in close proximity of the fraternal people of Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
A commission was accordingly constitued in 1958 and entrusted with the task of selecting a suitable site for the National Capital with particular emphasis on location, climate, logistic, defence requirements, aesthetic, scenic and natural beauty.

After the extensive research, feasibility studies and thorough review of various sites, the commission recommended the area Northeast of Rawalpindi. After the finaldecision of Cabinet the die was cast and there was no turning point.

A Greek firm Doxiadis Associates drew up a master plan triangular in shape, based on a grid system, with its opex towards the Margalla Hills. The planners envisaged Islamabad eventully absorbing Rawalpindi entirely and stretching well to the West of Grand trunk road.

It was the technical expertise of Doxiadis and course the dedication and hardwork of Pakistani engineers, technicians and workers which had turned Islamabad into the one of the most beautiful cities of the World.

Pakistan's new Capital ISLAMABAD nestles against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills at the northern end of Pothowar Plateau. It offers a healthy climate, pollution free atmosphere, plenty of water and lush green area. It is a modern and carefully planned city with wide tree-lined streets, large houses elegant public buildings and well-organised bazars/markets/shopping centres. There are rarely crowds or traffic jams and few narrow lanes or slums; the walkways are shaded & safe and seperated from the traffic by rows of flame trees, jacarnda and hibiscus. Rosed, Jasmine & bougainvillea fill the parks and scenic viewpoints shoe the city to its best advantage.

The city is divided into eight basic zones Administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors. commercial areas, rural and green areas. Each sector has its own shopping area and public park.

Islamabad today is the heart and soul of Pakistan, a city which symbolizes the aspirations of a young and dynamic nation that looks forward to a glorious future for its people, a city which welcomes modern ides but at the same time recognizes and cherishes its traditional values and its past history.


Federal Capital Area

Current population of the City 901137

Current population of the country 152136840
Population of the country in 1998 148166000
Population of the country in 2050 345484000
Population Growth 2.68%
Unemployment 27%
Female/Male Ratio
(females per 100 males, 1997) 94
Nationality Pakistani(s)
Language Urdu (official), English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Punjabi 64%, Sindhi 12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi and other 9%
Religion Muslim 97%
Christian, Hindu, and other 3%
Geography Pakistan is situated in the western part of the Indian subcontinent,with Afghanistan and Iran on the west.
Currency Pakistani rupee


Map Reference

Northern latitudes 33° 49' and longitudes 72° 24' east of Greenwich.
Altitude

Lying at altitudes ranging from 457 to 610 meters.

Humidity Average yearly humidity 55 %

Rainfall Average yearly rainfall 1143 millimeters.
Landscape The Capital aea is an expanse of natural terraces and meadows and the southern plain drained by the Kurang River with the Margalla Hills in the north east.

AREA

Total area 906.50 Sqr. Kms.
Islamabad Proper 220.15 Sqr. Kms.
Islamabad Park 220.15 Sqr. Kms.
Islamabad Rural area 466.00 Sqr. Kms.
Specified area 3626.00 Sqr. Kms.

TEMPERATURE

Seasons Maximum Average Minimum Average
Winter (Oct-Mar) 16.6 C 3.4 C
Summer (Apr - Sept) 34.2 C 24.4 C
Annual average 28.9 C 14.4 C

POPULATION

1998 9,01,137 Approx.
1992 3,80,000
1982 2,10,000
1978 1,65,000
1972 76,000

Entry Points

Shahrah-e-Islamabad from Rawat
Shahrah-e-Kashmir from Murree
Shahrah-e-Kashmir from Tarnol
Faizabad from Rawalpindi