Islamabad is Pakistan's most diverse metropolis in terms of the population makeup of the city. It has the largest expatriate and foreigner population in the city. The reasons are simple: its inviting and reasonably temperate climate, its lush green scenery and excellent basic infrastructure. The city is also a stopping point for tourists who desire to proceed to the Northern Areas of the country for trekking, hiking, adventure sports and mountaineering. Since the city has been growing into a major business and commerce centre, it has attracted a large highly skilled workforce from other major cities including Karachi, Lahore and Quetta. All of the country's diplomatic ties are maintained and exercised from Islamabad, as all major embassies, consulates and missions are operating from the city, as is the Foreign Office. There is a massive bureaucratic presence in the city as well, largely due to the fact that Islamabad, being the capital, is also the seat of the Government. The Presidency, the Prime Minister's House, the Diplomatic Enclave, the Supreme Court, the Shariat Court and other major government buildings are housed here.
Punjabis account for 65% of the population followed by the Urdu Speaking Muhajirs at around 14%, Pashtuns at 10.51% and others (Sindhi, Balochi, Kashmiri's, etc) at 7%. (this does not include the refugee count).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Islamabad City Guide
The fastest growing metropolis in the country, Islamabad is progressing and developing rapidly. The city brims with activities, places to visit, cultural and heritage sites and contains a wealth of entertainment. The universities that cater to a large student population rank alongside some of the best in the country, and indeed in the region.
Quaid-e-Azam University is a premier post-graduate university, with some of the best faculty members and teaching facilities available in the country. In addition, the university also has one of the most picturesque campuses in Asia. Several other places of education have established themselves as the best. These include the International Islamic University boasting a host of international students, Iqra University which also ranks amongst the best, Hamdard University, Preston University, and a score of others. Hospitals and health facilities abound in the city, with at least three comprehensive government hospitals offering the latest, hygienic conditions, namely the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Federal Government Services Hospital and the CDA Hospital. There are also private hospitals such as the Islamabad Private Hospital, the Shifa International, and various others like the Naval Hospital and the Air Force Medical facility. These facilities all have comprehensive provisions such as ambulance networks, emergency rooms and specialized departments such as Cardiology, Surgery and Pediatrics. Rescue 15 is an innovative emergency service provided by the city in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory police and various hospitals. These services are based around a response system to any emergency, such as theft, any malicious activity or a medical related crisis.
Quaid-e-Azam University is a premier post-graduate university, with some of the best faculty members and teaching facilities available in the country. In addition, the university also has one of the most picturesque campuses in Asia. Several other places of education have established themselves as the best. These include the International Islamic University boasting a host of international students, Iqra University which also ranks amongst the best, Hamdard University, Preston University, and a score of others. Hospitals and health facilities abound in the city, with at least three comprehensive government hospitals offering the latest, hygienic conditions, namely the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Federal Government Services Hospital and the CDA Hospital. There are also private hospitals such as the Islamabad Private Hospital, the Shifa International, and various others like the Naval Hospital and the Air Force Medical facility. These facilities all have comprehensive provisions such as ambulance networks, emergency rooms and specialized departments such as Cardiology, Surgery and Pediatrics. Rescue 15 is an innovative emergency service provided by the city in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory police and various hospitals. These services are based around a response system to any emergency, such as theft, any malicious activity or a medical related crisis.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Centaurus
The Centaurus is a mixed-use development project currently under construction in Islamabad, Pakistan. The project involves over 6.59 acres of land in Islamabad's arterial corridor, called Blue Area.
The complex is designed by WS Atkins PLC, whose portfolio includes the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, and the Bahrain World Trade Center in Bahrain. It is a project of the Pak Gulf Construction (Pvt) Ltd (PGCL) in Islamabad. Pak Gulf construction company is a joint venture between Al Tamimi (Saudi Arabia) and Sardar Builders (Pakistan).
Besides serving residential, commercial, and business purposes, the complex is intended to symbolise the growth of Pakistan, and to enable it to host international conferences and seminars in Pakistan's capital city.
The $350 million complex is planned to have a 37-story, 7 star deluxe hotel, with two 21-story residential towers, a 25-story corporate office tower, and a 5-story shopping mall.. The complex will have a parking lot to accommodate over 2,000 vehicles. It is designed to withstand up to 9.5 magnitude earthquakes and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
The complex is designed by WS Atkins PLC, whose portfolio includes the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, and the Bahrain World Trade Center in Bahrain. It is a project of the Pak Gulf Construction (Pvt) Ltd (PGCL) in Islamabad. Pak Gulf construction company is a joint venture between Al Tamimi (Saudi Arabia) and Sardar Builders (Pakistan).
Besides serving residential, commercial, and business purposes, the complex is intended to symbolise the growth of Pakistan, and to enable it to host international conferences and seminars in Pakistan's capital city.
The $350 million complex is planned to have a 37-story, 7 star deluxe hotel, with two 21-story residential towers, a 25-story corporate office tower, and a 5-story shopping mall.. The complex will have a parking lot to accommodate over 2,000 vehicles. It is designed to withstand up to 9.5 magnitude earthquakes and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
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