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Shah Faisal Mosque
This beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish Architect, Vedat
Dalokay and named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. It is spread over an
area of 1,89,705 sq. meters with 88 meters high minarets and 40 meters high
main prayer hall. The main prayer hall has the capacity to accommodate
10,000 persons while the covered porticos and verandahs can take over 24,000
people. The main courtyard has space for 40,000 people.
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif
(Barri Imam)
Nurpur Shahan, a village situated at the foot of Margalla Hills, near
Quaid-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 the first week of May
beginning Monday through Thursday with lots of festivities representing the
culture of Potohar and attracts people from all over the country.
Shrine of Syed Meher Ali
Shah (Golra Sharif)
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 Prophet 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.
Universities
Allama
Iqbal Open University (AIOU)
This University (AIOU) was established in 1974 as People's Open University
and was renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University in 1977. It is in sector
H-8. President of Pakistan is the Chancellor of the University. This
University is a Semi-Governmental/State-owned enterprise. The University
offers doctorate, master, degree, diploma and certificate programs.
Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU)
Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) was established in 1965 in Islamabad.
President of Pakistan is the Chancellor. The University offers postgraduate
degrees.
International Islamic
University (IIU)
International Islamic University (IIU) was founded in November 1980 and is
located in the vicinity of Shah Faisal Mosque. President of Pakistan is the
Chancellor. This University aims at re-constructing human thought in all its
forms on the foundations of Islam.
The National University of
Science and Technology (NUST)
NUST was founded in 1991.
University of Arid
Agriculture, Rawalpindi
Fatima Jinnah University
for Women, Rawalpindi
Museums
Lok
Virsa
The Lok Virsa also known as the National Institute of Folk and Traditional
Heritage works towards preserving the living folk and traditional culture of
Pakistan. This 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 fresco, mirror work, marble inlay, tile's 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.
Pakistan Museum of Natural
History
This Museum of Natural 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 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 where
Pakistan is situated today. Pakistan has been a seat of the world's leading
civilizations 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.
Art Galleries
Idara
Saqafat-e-Pakistan
Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan also known as the Pakistan National Council of the
Arts runs two art galleries. First the National Gallery which is located at
House # 77, Street # 48, F-7/4, Islamabad. Here contemporary Pakistani art
is on permanent display besides revolving exhibitions and paintings
available for sale.
Children Art Plaza
It is situated at # 77, School Road, F-7/4, Islamabad, where Children's art
is on display and regular art classes are held for children.
Islamabad Sports Complex
A Sports Complex comprising of Liaquat Gymnasium for indoor games and Jinnah
Stadium for outdoor games has been built with the Chinese assistance. It is
located on Shahra-e-Kashmir near Aabpara. Regular national and international
sports events are held in the Complex.
Margalla Pass
This small pass is located 26 km west of Islamabad on G.T. Road. Margalla is
mentioned in the writings of historians and emperors like Alberuni, Ferishta
and Jehangir. Today, it is a pass between the ancient capital of Gandhara
i.e. 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 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. Road. This road was first built by the
Persians in 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
it was again repaired in 1672 AD.
Shakarparian Hills
Shakarparian Hills are situated near Zero Point at a height of about 609
meters. Its terraced garden offer pleasant and sweeping vistas of Margalla
and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Snack Bar facility
is also available.
Fatima Jinnah Park
The entire sector of F-9 is being developed as an attractive urban park,
which will have a profusion of lakes, rock gardens, aquariums, fountains
etc. It has been named after Miss Fatima Jinnah, sister of the founder of
Pakistan.
Murghzar Mini Zoo and
Children's Park
Murghzar Mini Zoo is located at the foot of Daman-e-Koh viewpoint. 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.
Daman-e-Koh
A low hill overlooking Islamabad is known as Daman-e-Koh. It offers
panoramic view of Islamabad. The place is ideal for afternoon and evening
outing.
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