Islamabad history

The history of Islamabad, unlike the ancient cities of Pakistan, began only in the mid-20th century. It is one of the few cities in the world built from scratch specifically to serve as a capital. Its history is the story of an ambitious project to create a new administrative and political heart for the country.

Foundation and Construction

The decision to move the capital from the coastal city of Karachi to the interior of the country was made in 1958. The main reasons were the desire to locate the capital in a safer and more climatically favourable location, as well as to encourage balanced regional development. Construction of the city began in 1961 based on a master plan developed by the Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis. The status of the capital was officially transferred from the interim administrative centre of Rawalpindi to Islamabad in 1967, once the main government buildings were ready.

Key Factors of Establishment

The establishment of Islamabad was defined by several key factors:

• Political Will: The city was founded on the government's initiative as a planned capital, ensuring centralised funding and rapid infrastructure development.
• Strategic Location: The site for the new capital was chosen on the Potohar Plateau, near the major city of Rawalpindi and at the foot of the picturesque Margalla Hills. This ensured a pleasant climate, accessibility from various parts of the country, and defensive advantages.
• Urban Planning: The clear structure developed by Doxiadis divided the city into functional zones: administrative, diplomatic, residential, commercial, and green sectors. This organisation defined its orderly and modern appearance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Islamabad was formed as a city for civil servants, diplomats, and military personnel, which determined its quiet and measured character, in contrast to the country's bustling commercial centres. The city's economy was focused on public administration and related services. Cultural life developed around new educational and scientific institutions, such as the Islamic Research Institute and the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology. The city immediately became known for its abundance of greenery, wide avenues, and modern architecture, which blended European approaches with elements of the Mughal style.

The history of Islamabad is the story of an ambitious project designed to create a modern capital for Pakistan. The city was built from the ground up in the middle of the 20th century and reflects the vision of its founders.

Key Dates in the History of Islamabad

• 1959: The decision is made to move the capital from Karachi, and a site is selected for the construction of the new city northeast of Rawalpindi.
• 1960: The master plan for the city, developed by Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis, is approved.
• 1961: Construction of the new capital officially begins.
• 1967: Islamabad is officially declared the capital of Pakistan, and government institutions begin moving to the new city.
• 1970s: Active development of the city; key government and administrative buildings appear.
• 1976: Construction begins on one of the city's most famous symbols — the Faisal Mosque.
• 1986: Construction is completed and the opening of the Faisal Mosque takes place, becoming one of the largest in the world.
• 2007: Construction of the Pakistan Monument is completed, symbolising the unity of the people of Pakistan.

Major Milestones of Development and Transformation

The evolution of Islamabad from blueprints on paper to a modern metropolis has passed through several key stages, each of which radically changed the face and status of the city.

• Approval of the Master Plan (1960): The adoption of Constantinos Doxiadis's concept became the urban planning foundation of the capital. Strict zoning into administrative, residential, and commercial sectors laid the groundwork for orderly development, which still distinguishes the city from other metropolises in Pakistan today with its high level of organisation and comfort.
• Granting of Capital Status (1967): The official transfer of government institutions from Karachi and Rawalpindi turned the city into the administrative heart of the country. This event triggered a powerful influx of population, created thousands of jobs in the public sector, and stimulated the development of the service industry.
• Creation of a Scientific and Educational Cluster (1970s): The founding of Quaid-i-Azam University and a number of research institutes transformed the city from a purely bureaucratic centre into an intellectual hub, attracting students and scholars from across the country.
• Opening of Faisal Mosque (1986): The completion of this monumental structure not only gave the city its main architectural symbol but also cemented its status as an important cultural and religious centre, promoting the development of domestic and international tourism.
• Economic Rise of the "Blue Area" (1990s): Active development of the main avenue (Blue Area) with high-rise office buildings marked the transition to a market economy. This district became the financial core of the city, where bank headquarters and corporations concentrated.
• Technological Boom (2000s): The creation of Software Technology Parks diversified the capital's economy. The city became a key node for the IT industry and telecommunications, attracting foreign investment and qualified personnel.
• Transport Revolution (2015): The launch of the Metrobus system, connecting the capital with the satellite city of Rawalpindi, radically improved urban mobility. This accelerated the economic integration of the agglomeration and simplified the daily commute for the workforce.
• Launch of the New International Airport (2018): The opening of a modern aviation hub became a crucial logistical stage, significantly expanding opportunities for international trade and travel, which strengthened the city's global connections.

The architectural appearance of Islamabad is a visual history of urban planning in the second half of the 20th century. Unlike ancient cities, it was built from scratch, which allowed for the implementation of a coherent and thoughtful concept. There are no Renaissance or Gothic buildings here, but rather striking examples of Modernism, Brutalism, and their synthesis with Islamic traditions.

Modernism and the Doxiadis Master Plan (1960s)

The foundation for the city's development was the master plan developed in 1960 by the Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis. The plan was executed in the spirit of Modernism and functionalism. The city was divided into sectors with clear zoning: administrative, diplomatic, residential areas, commercial centres, and extensive green zones. The entire structure is subject to a strict hierarchical grid of streets, ensuring order and ease of movement. This approach defined the modern, organised, and spacious look of Islamabad, which distinguishes it favourably from many other cities in South Asia.

Monumentalism and Brutalism (1960s–1980s)

The government quarter became the embodiment of monumental architecture, designed to emphasise the power and stability of the young state. Many buildings of this period, such as the Secretariat complex, demonstrate features of Brutalism — a style characterised by massive forms and the use of raw concrete. A striking example of this era is the Parliament House, designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen and later refined by American architect Edward Durell Stone. Its strict and symmetrical design alludes to the traditions of Muslim architecture but is executed in modern materials and forms. Also built during this period was the Supreme Court building, designed by the famous Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, which combines modernist and neoclassical elements.

Islamic Modernism and Symbolism (1980s – Present)

The most iconic building in Islamabad is undoubtedly the Faisal Mosque, completed in 1986. Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, it became a revolutionary statement in religious architecture. Instead of a traditional dome, the mosque has a shape resembling a Bedouin tent, which is a bold departure from canons. The four tall minarets are executed in a classic Turkish style. This structure is a brilliant example of Islamic Modernism, where modern technology and minimalist design are used to create a powerful spiritual symbol.

Contemporary Trends (1990s – Present)

With the development of the economy, buildings reflecting global architectural trends began to appear in the city. An example is the Saudi-Pak Tower — an office building featuring blue reflective panels combined with elements inspired by traditional Islamic tile work. In recent decades, modern residential complexes, shopping malls, and office buildings have been actively constructed, dominated by glass, steel, and composite materials, indicating a shift towards a more eclectic and commercially oriented architecture.

Personalities Who Left a Mark on Islamabad's History

Being a young capital, Islamabad cannot boast a centuries-old gallery of famous natives like ancient cities. However, its history is inextricably linked with the names of prominent politicians, architects, and scientists who designed, built, and defined the vector of development for this unique city.

Muhammad Ayub Khan (1907–1974)

• Role: President of Pakistan.
• Significance: The key figure who made the historic decision in 1958 to move the capital from Karachi and build a new city. It was his political will that launched the "Islamabad" project, aimed at creating a safer, centralised, and modern administrative centre for the country.

Constantinos Doxiadis (1913–1975)

• Role: Greek architect and urban planner.
• Significance: The author of Islamabad's master plan, approved in 1960. His concept of a hierarchical grid structure and the division of the city into functional sectors defined the orderly and green appearance of the modern capital, distinguishing it from many other South Asian metropolises.

Edward Durell Stone (1902–1978)

• Role: American architect.
• Significance: Made a significant contribution to shaping the monumental look of the government quarter. He refined and implemented the design for the Parliament House of Pakistan and also designed the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, becoming one of the creators of the new capital's architectural face.

Vedat Dalokay (1927–1991)

• Role: Turkish architect.
• Significance: The creator of one of the most recognisable symbols of Islamabad and all of Pakistan — the Faisal Mosque. His innovative design, resembling a Bedouin tent, became a shining example of Islamic Modernism and one of the world's major architectural landmarks.

Abdul Qadeer Khan (1936–2021)

• Role: Metallurgical engineer and nuclear physicist.
• Significance: Known as the "Father of the Pakistani atomic bomb." His work was closely linked to scientific centres located in and around Islamabad. He spent the final years of his life in the capital and is one of the most iconic and significant figures in Pakistan's modern history.

Imran Khan (born 1952)

• Role: Sportsman and politician, former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
• Significance: A cricket legend and one of the most influential political figures in the modern country. He is a long-time resident of Islamabad; his residence in the Bani Gala suburb is widely known. His political career and public activities have largely been centred in the capital.