Rawalpindi Islamabad

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad lie against the backdrop of Margalla Hills on the Pqtohar plateau. On the basis of archaeological discov- eries, archaeologists believe that a distinct culture flourished on this plateau as far back as 3,000 years.

History

The material remains found on the site of the city of Rawalpindi prove the existence of a Buddhist establishment contemporary to Taxila but less celebrated than its neighbour. It appears that the ancient city went into obliv!on as a result of the Hun devastation. The first Muslim inyader, Mahmood of Ghazni (979- 1030 AD), gifted the ruined city to a Gakkhar Chief, Kai Gohar. The town, how- ever, being on invaders' route, coUld not prosper and remained deserted until Jhanda Khan, another Gakkhar Chief, restored it and gave the name of Rawalpindi after the village Rawal in 1493 AD. Rawalpindi remained under the rule of Gakkhars till Muqarrab Khan, the last Gakkhar ruler, was defeated by Sikhs in 1765 AD. Sikhs invited traders from other places to settle here. This brought the city into prominence. Sikhs lost the city to British in 1849 AD. It then became the General Headquarters of British Army and they established a Qantonment south of the old city. In 1879, the Punjab Northern Railway was added to to Rawalpindi but the train service was formally inaugurated on January 01,1886.

Over the years, Rawalpindi has retained its traditional flavour. However, some modern residential areas and buildings have come up allover the town since the creation of Pakistan. Pakistan's new capital, Islamabad being the twin city of Rawalpindi, equally shares the same archaeological and historical back- ground.

Old City and Bazaars The bazaars of the old city offer exciting bargains. You can leisurely browse in the quaint old shops in Saddar bazaar, Moti bazaar, Raja bazaar and Kashmiri bazaar while Sarafa bazaar is famous for beaten gold and siiver jewellery, brass and copper-ware.

Rawalpindi specializes in handicrafts such as inlaid sheesham and walnut fur- niture, Kashmiri shawls and jackets, embroidered and woolen' Kurtas' and household linen, Potohar Jooties and Chap pals (slippers), cane baskets and furniture, walking sticks and hand-woven Kashmiri and Bokhara carpets. You can go shopping for these items at handicraft and carpet shops in Saddar bazaar, especially around Flashman's Hotel and Rawalpindi Club building on the Mall.

Liaquat Memorial Hall and Garden

This hall was built in memory of late Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan the first Prime Minister of Pakistan. It has a large auditorium and library. Art exhibitions, cul- tural shows and stage plays are performed here frequently. A well-laid garden with sports facilities and chiidren's park has been deve)oped near the hall.

Ayub National Park

Ayub National Park is located beyond the old Presidency on JehlumRoad. It covers an area of about 2,300 acres and has a play-land, lake with boating facility, an aquarium and a garden-restaurant.

Rawalplndl Golf Course Situated near Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi Golf Course was completed in 1926 by Rawalpindi Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs otPakistan, found- ed on 2nd November 1885. The facility was initially developed as a nine-hole course. After several phases of development, it is now converted intQ a 27 -hole course. The club is being patronized by the successive Presidents of Pakistan. From the elegant clubhouse, one can have a wonderful panorama of Faisal Mosque, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and the Golf Course itself. Major national golf tournaments are held here regularly. For more infor- mation, please contact the Assistant Secretary, Rawalpindi Golf Club, Jehlum Road, Rawaipindi (Tel: 56131346).

Rawalplndl Public Park and Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi Public Park is located on Murree Road nearShamsabad. The Park was opened for public in 1991. It has a playland for children, grassy lawns, fountains and flower beds. A cricket stadium was built in 1992 just opposite the Public Park. The 1992 World Cup Cricket matches were held on this cricket ground. The stadium is equipped with all modern facilities.

Islamabad

Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located against the backdrop of Margalla Hills at the northern edge of Potohar Plateau. In contrast to its twin city Rawalpindi, it is lush green, spacious and peaceful.

The master plan of this most modern city was prepared in 1960 by MIS Constantinos Doxiades, a Greek firm of Architects. Construction was started in October 1961. The city came into life on 26 October 1966, when the first office building of Islamabad was occupied.. It is a modern and carefully planned city.

There are ample opportunities for walking hiking and trekking around  Islamabad in the Margalla Hills.

Rose and Jasmine Garden

This 20,360 sq. meters rose garden is famous for its roses. It has 250 different varieties of roses as well as a dozen types of Jasmines. Flower shows are occasionally held here, particularly during spring. Nearby is the Tourist Camping Site.

Shakarparlan Hills

Shakarparian hills are situated near Zero Point, at a height of 609 meters. Its terraced garden offers pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Snack Bar facilities are available.

Rawal Lake

This glistening man-made lake covers an area of 8.8 sq. km. The terraced gar- den and the lake are ideal for picnic, fishing and boating. The highest point in the garden commands a panoramic view of the Jake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The PTDC Jaltarang Restaurant offers snack bar facilities for visitors.

Daman-e-Koh

This low hill over looking Islamabad, known as Daman-e-koh, offers panoram- ic view of Islamabad. Snack bar facilities are available at PTDC's Daman-e- Koh Restaurant. The place is ideal for afternoon and evening outing with family and friends.

Murghzar Mini Zoo and Children's Park

Murghzar Mini Zoo is located at the foot of Daman-e'Koh view point. A display corner of Pakistan Museum of Natural History and a Japanese style children's park have also been established near the Zoo. The Park is a gift to Pakistani children from the children of Japan.

Islamabad Sports Complex

A Sports Complex comprising Liaquat Gymnasium for indoor games and Jinnah Stadium for outdoor games, has been built with the Chinese assistance. It is located on Shahrah-e-Kashmir near Aabpara. Regular national and international sports events are held in1he Complex. For details, please contact Pakistan Sports Board, Islamabad Sports Complex, Shahrah-e-kashmir, Islamabad (Tel: 9202418-20).

Lok Virsa

The Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) works towards preserving the living folk and traditional culture of Pakistan. Its Folk Heritage Museum, located near Shakarparian Hills, has a large display of embroidered costumes, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work. Traditional architecture facades exhibiting such skills as fres- co, mirror work, marble inlay, tile mosaic and stucco tracery are also displayed. Lok Virsa Heritage Reference Library is equipped with resource data on ethnography, anthropology, folk music, art, history and crafts. Museum and Library timings are; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday closed (Tel: 9201651, 9203983).

 Books on culture and heritage, audio and video cassettes of folk and classical vocal and instrumental music are available for sale at Lok Virsa's Sales Centre.

Art Galleries

Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan (Pakistan National Council of the Arts) runs two art galleries. The National Gallery is located at House#77, Street#48, F-7/4, Islamabad (Tel: 9204951), where contemporary Pakistani art is on permanent display beside revolving exhibitions and paintings available for sale. The other is Children Art Palace, #77 School Road, F-7/4, Islamabad (Tel: 221286), where Children's art is on display and regular art classes are held for children.

Pakistan Museum of Natural History

The Museum of National History is located opposite the Women's College on College Road in F-7/2 Commercial Area. The Museum depicts early human history, geology, and wild life of Pakistan. The exhibits are particular interest to students and children. It is open to public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. except Sunday. Entry is free.

Islamabad Museum

Islamabad museum presents a long historic sequence of the land where Pakistan is situated today. Pakistan has been a seat of the worlds leading civ- ilizations from the time immemorial. There is plenty of evidence to support this argument now on display in Islamabad Museum. For example, 20 million years old fossil remains, 2 million years old man-made stone tools, 7000 years old early human settlements which lead to the world famous Indus Civilization, Gandhara Grave Culture and Gandhara art, early Islamic settlement and Mughal period, their art and craft.

The Museum is located at House 41, Street No. 3,E-7, Islamabad. It is open for visitors, Thursday to Tuesday from 09:30 to 16:30 hrs without break, Wednesday is weekly off and there is a prayer break on every Friday from 12:30 to 14:00 hrs.

 Universities

Four universities in Islamabad have taken onto themselves, four different kinds of responsibilities. Allama Iqbal Open University (AJOU) was established in 1973 in sector H-8, Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) was established in 1967 while International Islamic University (IIU), located in the vicinity of Shah Faisal Mosque, was created in November 1980. The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) was founded in 1991.

Shah Faisal Mosque

This beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish Architect, Vedat Dalokay and named after late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. It is spread over 1,89,705 sq. meters with 88 meters high minarets and 40 meters high main prayer hall. The main prayer hall can accommodate 10,000 persons while the covered porticoes and verandahs can take over 24,000 worshipers. The main courtyard has space for 40,000 people.

Fatima Jlnnah Park

The entire sector of F-9 is being developed as an attractive urban park which wili have a profusion of lakes, rock gardens, aquariums, fountains etc. It has' been named after Miss Fatima Jinnah, sister of the founder of Pakistan.

Chattar Bagh

Nestling at the base of Murree hills at a distance of 15 km on Islamabad: Murree road, TDCP Chattar Bagh recreational facility provides a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the twin cities. Scenic walks, gently flowing ~ stream, waterfall and the surrounding hillside are a perfect attraction. The "'- resort has a restaurant, barbecue and two air-conditioned tourist cottages. The; Children's Park and playground are spread over an area of 12.5 acres. ;

 Places around Rawalpindi & Islamabad

Margalla Pass

This small pass is located 26 km west of Islamabad on G.. T. Road. Margalla is mentioned by historians and emperors like Alberuni, Ferishta and Jehangir. Today, it is a pass between the ancient capital of Gandhara, that is, Taxila, and the modern capital of Pakistan, i.e., Islamabad. There is an obelisk right on the top of the Pass, built in 1890 in memory of Brig. Gen. John Nicholson (died on l 23 September 1857) of British army, by his colleagues. A small part of the ;" ancient Shahi (Royal) Road can be seen just across the pass, left of G.T. l' Road. This road was first built by the Persians in c.516 BC and later developed ;" by the Afghan King Sher Shah Suri in 1540s. An inscription on the western side of this stone pavement shows that is was again repaired in 1672 AD. i

Taxila

The modern town of Taxila is 35 km from Islamabad. Most of the archaeologi- cal sites of Taxiia (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around Taxila Museum. For over one thousand years, Taxila remains famous as a centre of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius I of 30 kms around Taxila. Some of the most important sites are; Dharmarajika 1 Stupa and Monastery (300 BC - 200 AD), Bhir Mound (600 - 200 BC), Sirkap j (200 BC - 600 AD), Jandial Temple (c.250 BC) and Jaulian Monastery (200 - j 600 AD). 1

A museum comprising various sections with rich archaeological finds of Taxila arranged in chronoiogical order and J)roperly labelled, has been established close to the sites. It is one of the best and well-maintained site museums of Pakistan. Summer timings of the museum are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with two hours break. Winter timings are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., without break. The museum remains closed on the .first Monday of every month and on Muslim religious holidays. Entry ticket costs Rs. 4 per person for museum and Rs. 4 per person for archaeological sites.

PTDC has a Tourist Information Centre and a Motel with 7 rooms and restau- rant facility, just opposite the Museum. There is a Youth Hostel nearby, offer- ing accommodation for members of International Youth Hostels Federation (IYHF).

Wah Gardens

Once a major campsite of Mughal rulers, Wah Gardens are located 12 km west of Taxila on G.T. Road. The gardens were developed with magnificent trees and water channels by successive Mughal emperors. Tapering cypress trees, loved by the Mughals, line the canals through which cool waters once flowed between elegant romantic pavilions and cascading into large reflecting basins. The gardens are being restored to their original beauty, by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan. Entry fee is Rs. 200 per person.

Hasan Abdal

Hasan Abdal is 48 km from Rawalpindi. It is a beautifull, quiet place and a convenient halting point on G.T. Road enroute to Peshawar or Abbottabad. This town has a particular association with Mughals and Sikhs. It was mentioned by Emperor Jehangir in his memoirs and frequently visited by successive Mughal Kings, on their way to Kashmir. It remained a holy place for various religious groups through the ages. It has a Sikh Gurdwara (terlJple) known as panja Sahib having a scared rock with the hand print of their:religious leader, Guru Nanak. Twice a year, Sikh pilgrims visit this Gurdwara,from all over the world. Two other historical buildings of Mughal era (Muqbara Hakeeman and so- called tomb of Lala Rukh) are located just opposite the Gurdwara. On the nearby hill, at an altitude of 714 meters, there is a meditation chamber related to a 15th century Muslim Saint, Saba Wali Oandhari, popularly known as Saba Hasan Abdal. The saint stayed in Hasan Abdal from c. 1406 - 1416 AD but died and buried in village Saba Wali near Oandhar (Afghanistan). The devotees and visitors climb over the steps leading to the hill, for offerings and to have a panoramic view of Hasan Abdai.

Shrines

Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif (Bari Imam)

Nurpur Shahan, a village situated at the foot of Margalla Hil)s, near Qaid-e- Azam University,is famous for the mirror-studded shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, popularly known as Bari Imam. The shrine was originally built on the order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The death anniversary (Urs) of Bari Imam is observed in ihe first week of May beginning Monday through Thursday with lot of festivities representing the Potohar culture and attracts people from allover the country.

 

Shrine of Shah Bar; Latif (Bar; Imam), Islamabad.

Shrine of Syed Meher All Shah The shrine of Syed Meher Ali Shah of Golra Sharif is located 18 km from Rawalpindi, in sector E-11 of Islamabad. He was descendant of a Syed family and had links with Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani of Baghdad. He was born in 1859, preached and spread the message of Islam during the turbulent times in South Asia. He also wrote beautiful prose and poetry in Persian, Arabic and Punjabi languages, mostly in praise of God and Muhammad (peace be upon him). He died on May 11,1937. His mausoleum was recently reconstructed. Devotees assemble here on the occasion of annual Urs.

Forts

Rawat Fort

Rawat Fort is located 17 km east of Rawalpindi, on the Grand Trunk (G,T.) Road leading to Lahore. The fort was built by Gakkhars, a fiercely independent tribe of the Potohar Plateau, in early 16th century. The grave of a Gakkhar Chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is located inside the fort. He died in 1546 AD fight- ing against the forces of Sher Shah Suri. If one dares to climb the broken steps inside the tomb, one may get a panoramic view of the plateau and the Mankiala Stupa.

Pharwala Fort

This fort is about 40 km from Rawalpindi beyond Lehtar road. It was built in 15th century by a Gakkhar ruler, Sultan Kai Gohar, on the ruins of a 10th cen- tury Hindi Shahi Fort. Emperor Babar conquered the fort in 1519 AD. Later, in 1825, Gakkhars were expelled by Sikhs from this fort. Though the fort is in a crumbling state, it is still an attraction for castle lovers. The fort, being situated in prohibited area, is only open for Pakistani visitors.

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort is 109 km from Rawalpindi. It is located about 6 km south-west of Dina Town. Going from Rawalpindi/lslamabad, you have to turn right from G. T. Road to a narrow road just before Dina Police Station and then go left untii you find the dry bed of Kahan River. The fort is visible from this point. However, you have to cross the river to reach it. During rainy season, you need a four-wheel- driveio cross the river. The fort is one of the most impressive historical mon- uments in Pakistan. It was built by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, between 1540 and 1547 AD. It served as a huge fortified base for military operations against Gakkhars by Sher Shah Suri. It was later used by Mughal emperor Akbar and Sikhs. Within the huge terraced rampart walls with robust bastions and twelve gates, are located a fortress, palaces and ancillary buildings.

Attock Fort

It is situated about 101 km west of Islamabad on the left bank of Indus River. The fort was completed in 1583 under the supervision of Khawaja Shamsuddin Khawafi, a minister of emperor Akbar. The Mughal caravan sarai outside the fort, on the G.T. Road, was also built during this period. Please note that no visitors are allowed inside the Fort.

Giri Fort

The glen of Giri is located 8 km north~east of Taxila, at the foot of Margalla. It is approached through a rough torrent bed near two villages named Khurram Gujar and Khurram Paracha. There are remains of two monasteries and stu- pas, one on the top of the hili and other below it. The remains of Giri fort are perched on the hill top, with spring water falling within it. The fort was built in 5th century by the Buddhist monks. Later, it was used by Sultan Masud, son of Sultan Mahmud of Gazni.

Dams & Lakes

Mlsrlot Dam

Misriot dam is located 12 km south-west of Rawalpindi. This small dam has an artificial lake with boating and fishing facilities. Fishing permit may be obtained from fishing guard at Misriot. It has a pleasant landscape and walkways beyond the lake among eruptions of black rocks.

Simli Dam

About 30 km from Islamabad lies Simli Dam. It can be reached via Lehtrar road or via Bhara Kahu. It is fed by the melting snow and natural springs of Murree hills. The water stored in the lake is supplied to Islamabad for drinking pur- poses. Angling and boating Is also allowed in the lake. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has a Fiest House at the Dam which can be booked through its Head Office in Islamabad.

 Khenpur Dam

This beautiful lake/dam is 48 km from Islamabad on Taxila-Haripur Road. It is an ideal place for day trip/picnic, boating; angling and watching migratory birds during winter.

Tanaza Dam

It is a small dam located at about 35 km south-west of Rawalpindi on Dhamial Road. Ideal for a day trip, the lake has a quiet atmosphere.

Tarbela Dam

The world's largest earth-filled dam on one of the world's most important rivers - the Indus - is 103 km from Rawalpindi. The dan was completed in 1976 at a cost of Rs. 18.5 billion. Over 15,000 Pakistani and 800 foreign workers and engineers worked during its construction. It is the biggest hyde! power station in Pakistan having a capacity of generating 3,478 MW of electricity. Its reser- voir is 97 km long with a depth of 137 meters while total area of the lake is 260 sq.km. Permits are required for visiting the Dam. Please contact Public Relations Officer (PRO), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Tarbela (Tel: 051-568941-2). A No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior (Shaheed-e-Miliat Sectt.), Islamabad is also required for for- eign visitors.

Mangla Dam

World's third largest earth-filled dam is only 115 km south-east of Rawalpindi. One has to turn left from Dina Town and the dam on river Jehlum is about 16 km to the east. The dam is 3,353 meters long and 116 meters high above the riv~r~beg.. It is designed to store 5.88 MAF water and also used for power gen- eration. In thecentreoi)be dam there is a Gakkhar Fort from where one can have a panoramic view of the lake. For permits to visit the dam, please con- tact PRO, WAPDA, Mangla. A NOG from the Ministry of Interior is required for foreigners.

Saidpur Vlllage

Saidpur, a little quaint village, famous for its pottery, is part of Islamabad today. It is located off the Hill Road to the east of Damman-e-Koh. Saidpur was founded by Sultan Said Khan son of Sultan Sarang Khan. He gave his daughter in marriage to Mughal Prince Saieem who later became Emperor Jehangir.

Manklala Stupa

The remains of a Buddhist Stupa lie about 32 km south east of Rawalpindi in Mankiala village, 2 km off the G.T.. Road. Apparently, this stupa was built in the reign or Kanishka (128- 151 AD). According to a legend, Buddha had sacrificed parts of his body here, to reed seven hungary tiger-cubs. In 1930, several gold, silver and copper coins (660- 730 AD) and a bronze casket having Khroshti inscriptions, were discovered from this stupa.

Murree & Galies

It is one and a half hours drive to Murree from Islamabad via the 55 L...4ell carpeted winding road. Murree, known as the Queen of Hills is 2,240 meters high. Beyond Murree, the hill resorts of Ayubia, Khairagali, Bhurban, Patriata, Dongagali and Nathiagali also offer cool respite from the torrid heat of pia ins. Perhaps, the most sought out is the beautiful Nathiagali, 32 km from Murree and perched 2,501 meters high. Ayubia, 29 km from Murree, is famous for its chair lift. Bhurban, which is 8 km from Murree, is known for its nine-hole golf course, panoramic view of the forested hills and a 5-star hotel. PTDC has accommodation facilities at Murree (Cecil Hotel) and Ayubia (PTbCMotel).

Patriata

The TDCP has developed a new resort at Patriata, about 15 km south east of Murree. It can be approached fromJslamabad via the busier but better Murree Road through Lower Tapa and Gulehra Gali or via Bhara Kahu, Karor and Ban (for light vehicles only). The resort has been developed on a virgin site at Patriata Ridge at 2,223 meters. It offers a breathtaking view of high forested ridges and deep intersecting valleys with terraced slopes. The climate remains remarkably cool and pleasant in summer. The resort is equipped with ttie dual chair lift and cable car system from Gulehra Gali to Patriata Ridge for a total distance of 3.1 km. The Gondola cable cars, first of its kind in Pakistan, give an all round panoramic view of the valley. There are hotel and restaurant facilities available at the top.

Abbottabad

Abbottabad, 116 kms from Rawalpindi at 1,222 meters above sea level, is a neat and clean town in a spacious valley surrounded by green hills. It is a popular summer resort. It serves as a base for trips to Kaghan valley and the Gallies. PTDC maintains a Tourist Information Centre here to facilitate the vis- itors. Places worth visiting in and around Abbottabad are Ilyasi mosque with a water spring and Shimla hill view point. Thandiani is another attractive hill resort 30 km east of Abbottabad at an altitude of 8,800 feet. For more infor- mation, please contact PTDC's Tourist Information Centre located at Club Annexe, Jinnah Road, Abbottabad (Tel: 05921-34399).

Salt Range

The Salt Range runs from Jhelum river in the east and west to Kalabagh on the Indus River, Most of the Salt Range is composed of the salt deposits iell behind when the sea that extended over the Potohar Plateau evaporated 600 million years ago. Fossils of prehistoric animals have been discovered in the Salt Range, spe- cially near a village called Ban Amir Khatoon, 40' km from Chakwal. There are many places of historical and archaeoiogicai interest in the Salt Range. Salt Range remained part of a powerful Hindu Kingdom of Kashmir in 10th centu- ry AD. Most of the forts and temples concentrated in the. Salt Range date from that period.

Kalar Kahar Lake and Ketas Temples

The main attraction of the eastern Salt Range are the shrine of Said an Shah at Choa Said an Shah, the lake and shrine of Abdul Qadir Gilanlat Kallar Kahar and the Hindu Temple Complex at Ketas. Kall tfa1'"is located about 135 km from Rawalpindi. The TDCP has built. -room motel and restaurant over- looking Kallar Kahar (Salt Lake oating facilities. The Temple of Shiva at Katas (10th century A d Malot are valuable pieces of architecture and history.

 

Temple of Shiva, Ketas in the Salt Range.

 Khewra Salt Mines

The main centre of mining is at Khewra in the Salt Range where the world's largest salt mines are located. Khewra salt mines are 154 kms away from Rawalpindi. The route is Mandra-Dudyal-Chakwal-Choa Said an Shah Khewra. A longer route is through Kallar Kahar-Ketas. The nearest hotel accommoda- tion is a TDCP resort at Kallar Kahar. For permits to visit the mines and to book the accommodation at the PMDC Rest House at Khewra, you may contact their office in Islamabad at Plot No. 13, H-9 (Manager Salt, Tel: 448407-8, 448413) through PTDC Tourist Information Centres at Rawalpindi or Islamabad, at least 4 days in advance.

General Information

POPULATION AREA ELEVATION

POPULATION Rawalplndl 850,000 Islamabad 512,933

AREA  906 sq. km. 150 sq. km.

ELEVATION Islamabad 510 meters above sea level Rawalpindi  494 to 610 meters above se1

TEMPERATURE Season 16.7C 3.4C 34.2C 24.4C 28.9C 14.4c

Winter (October - March) Summer (April - September: Annual

AVERAGE RAINFALL  1143 millimeters

Accessablity

Islamabad International Airport is served by PIA, British Airways, Saudia and Xinjiang China Airlines, iinking Rawalpindi- Islamabad with the rest of the world. Internally, PIA and the Pakistan Railways link Rawaipindi-isiamabad with all the main cities of Pakistan. Rawalpindi lies on the historic Grand Trunk Road, which is now a section of the Asian Highway from Istanbul to Bangkok.

 Pictures

Faisai Mosque, Islamabad.

 

 

Murree in winter.

 

 

Raja Bazaar, Rawalpindi.

 

 

 

Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) Panja Sahib, Hassan Abdal,

 

 

Rawal Lake, Islamabad.

 

Tourist Information For local assistance, information and planing your holidays, piease contact PTDC Tourist Information Centres at (i) Room No.6, 13- T/U College Road,

Markaz F-7, Islamabad (Tel: 9202766), (ii) PTDC Information and Sales

CeRtre, Aga Khan Road, Markaz F-6, Super Market, (next to Petrol Pump) Islamabad (Tel: 9204027) (iii) Room No. 59, Flashman's Hotel, The Mall, Rawalpindi (Tel: 517073 and 581480 Ext. 59) (iv) Tourist Information Centre,

PTDC Motel, opposite Taxila Museum Road, Taxila. Tel: 0596-2344

 

For all postal enquiries please contact

c:BPakistan Tourism Development Corporation, House 170, St. 36, F-10/1, P.O. Box: 1465

Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.

Tel: (92-51) 294790-1 Fax: (92-51) 294540

 

 

Rohtas Fort.

 

A view of Shakarparian, Islamabad.