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Located on the Potwar plateau in northeastern Pakistan, Islamabad, the country’s modern capital, took the capital title from Rawalpindi in the 1960s. This beautifully planned city, which is correctly named the “City of Islam,” possesses a blend of traditional Islamic architecture and contemporary design. Placed against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, Islamabad offers an escape from the busy streets of Rawalpindi. Read this blog to learn more about “What is the capital of Pakistan?”.
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Overview of the Capital City Of Pakistan
The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, has a rich mix of ancient and modern history. Let us get to know some pointers about “What Is the Capital of Pakistan?”:
- Unlike many capital cities, Islamabad is a young city that is very well-planned.
- It is located on the Potwar Plateau, which is in the foothills of Margalla Hills, because of which it is very beautiful.
- Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is nicknamed ‘The Green City’ because of the plethora of parks and green spaces that are very beautifully designed.
- The city is known for its spacious boulevards, well-defined sectors, and modern infrastructure, quite different from the older and more chaotic urban centres in Pakistan.
- Islamabad has the Parliament House, the Supreme Court, the Presidency, and various foreign embassies, making it the heart of Pakistan’s government.
- Islamabad is a mix of modern and ancient culture, with mosques like Faisal mosque, which showcases a mix of urban and contemporary designs.
- As the capital, Islamabad is a centre for international diplomacy and has numerous foreign embassies and high commissions.
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What is the capital of Pakistan in Urdu?
The capital of Pakistan in Urdu is اسلام آباد.. Islamabad also means the city of Islam. Islamabad is known for its beauty and organization. It is one of the most well-planned cities in South Asia. Some of the must-visit places in Islamabad are: Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and Margalla Hills.
What Is The Capital City Of Pakistan’s History?
The capital of Pakistan has a rich history and is not confined only to one city.
- The first capital city of Pakistan was Karachi, which was chosen as the major port city between 1947 and 1959.
- As the government grew, Karachi’s bustling commercial activity and distance from other regions posed logistical challenges.
- After Karachi, President Ayub Khan defined Islamabad as a modern city and made it the capital.
- Islamabad’s position near Rawalpindi, then the military headquarters, provided a strategic advantage.
- From 1959 to 1967, Rawalpindi served as the country’s temporary capital as Islamabad was under major construction.
- The official transfer of power to Islamabad in 1967 was a symbolic move.
When Did Islamabad Become the Capital of Pakistan?
Islamabad only became the capital of Pakistan around 1967. Earlier, Karachi was the capital of Pakistan. However, it was replaced by Islamabad. There were strategic reasons behind this move. Islamabad was chosen because of its climate and central location. The city’s construction started around 1961 and was based on a Greek architect’s design. The capital city was divided into sections, each for a specific purpose.
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Demography and Geography Of The Capital City Of Pakistan
The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, is very beautifully designed and very strategically planned.
- The city of Islamabad is a young city, despite its youth, it boasts a population exceeding 1 million.
- A majority of the population of Islamabad is Punjabi; however, it is a mix of the diverse ethnicities of Islamabad, with a significant population of Pashtuns, Seraikis, and Muhajirs.
- Urdu, the national language, dominates in Islamabad, followed by Punjabi and English.
- As the capital of an Islamic Republic, Islam is the predominant religion in Islamabad, with mosques all over the city.
- The capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad, has a higher literacy rate as compared to other Pakistani cities because it attracts professionals and government officials.
- Distinct from many Pakistani cities, Islamabad features a well-organized layout with sectors and wide boulevards.
- As a planned city, Islamabad has a modern infrastructure system with efficient transportation networks.
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Culture And Economy Of The Capital City Of Pakistan
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and a strategic role in the nation’s economy.
- Islamabad is a planned city that has a mix of contemporary architecture along with influences from Islamic arts and designs.
- As the centre of diplomacy, Islamabad hosts numerous embassies and cultural centres.
- Despite its status as a government hub, Islamabad has museums like Lok Virsa showcasing Pakistani folk heritage and art galleries featuring contemporary artists.
- The city of Islamabad has the primary role of being the representative of the Pakistani government.
- It is home to several government ministries, departments, and embassies.
- The service sector dominates Islamabad’s economy, with a focus on finance, administration, education, and healthcare.
- Unlike Karachi, the commercial capital, Islamabad has a limited industrial base, with a focus on small-scale businesses and cottage industries.
- Islamabad offers a relatively high standard of living compared to other Pakistani cities due to its planned infrastructure and focus on government services.
Capital of Pakistan and Currency
The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad. The details of the currency of Pakistan are provided below
| Point | Details |
| Currency Name | Pakistani Rupee |
| Currency Symbol | Rs |
| Currency Code | PKR |
| Managing Authority | State Bank of Pakistan |
| Year Introduced | 1948 (replaced the Indian Rupee) |
| Currency Forms | Coins and notes of different denominations are used |
Population of Pakistan
The population of Pakistan is estimated to be around 240 million. Pakistan is the 5th most populated country in the world. The population of Pakistan is very young. The major cities of the country are Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, and Islamabad. Karachi is a city of more than 15 million people, while the capital of Pakistan (Islamabad) has a population of over 1.1 million people.
| City | Estimated Population (2025) | Description |
| Karachi | 15 million+ | Largest city and financial hub |
| Lahore | 13 million+ | Cultural capital of Pakistan |
| Faisalabad | 4 million+ | Major industrial city |
| Rawalpindi | 3 million+ | Twin city of Islamabad |
| Islamabad | 1.2 million+ | Capital city and administrative centre |
| Multan | 2 million+ | Known for historical sites and Sufism |
| Peshawar | 2 million+ | Gateway to the Khyber Pass and a historic trade centre |
| Quetta | 1 million+ | The largest city in Balochistan province |
FAQs
Islamabad has a population exceeding 1 million residents.
Islam is the predominant religion in Islamabad, with mosques scattered throughout the city.
The service sector dominates Islamabad’s economy, focusing on finance, administration, education, and healthcare.
Karachi was the first capital of Pakistan. However. Islamabad became the capital of Pakistan on 14 August 1967. That is, after 20 years after being indepedent the capital was shifted. Karachi in Sindh was the capital chosen by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Islamabad is famous for its forests and parks. The city is also home to the Shakarparian and the Margalla Hills National Park. Pakistan has several national landmarks. For example.Faisal Mosqu, and the Democracy Square.
Karachi is famous because it is the largest city in Pakistan. It is the financial capital of Pakistan and has a main seaport. Moreover, it is also the capital of the province of Sindh. By population Karachi is the 3rd largest city in the world.
The capital of Pakistan before Islamabad was Karachi. It was the capital of pakistan from 1947 until 1959.
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