Islamabad: The Serene Capital of Pakistan

• Helloالسلام علیکم
  [Assalamu Alaikum]
• Goodbyeخدا حافظ
  [Khuda Hafiz]
• Yesہاں
  [Haan]
• Noنہیں
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeبراہ کرم
  [Barah-e-Karam]
• Thank youشکریہ
  [Shukriya]
• Excuse me/Sorryمعذرت چاہتا ہوں
  [Mazrat Chahta Hoon]
• How are you?آپ کیسے ہیں؟
  [Aap Kaise Hain?]
• Fine. And you?ٹھیک ہوں. اور آپ؟
  [Theek Hoon. Aur Aap?]
• Do you speak English?کیا آپ انگلش بولتے ہیں؟
  [Kya Aap English Bolte Hain?]
• I don't understandمجھے سمجھ نہیں آیا
  [Mujhe Samajh Nahi Aya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseبراہ کرم مینیو دیکھنا چاہتا ہوں
  [Barah-e-Karam Menu Dekhna Chahta Hoon]
• I don't eat meatمیں گوشت نہیں کھاتا
  [Mein Gosht Nahi Khata]
• Cheers!چیئرز!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseبراہ کرم میں ادا کرنا چاہتا ہوں
  [Barah-e-Karam Mein Ada Karna Chahta Hoon]

• Help!مدد!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!دور ہو جاؤ!
  [Door Ho Jao!]
• Call the Police!پولیس کو بلاؤ!
  [Police Ko Bulao!]
• Call a doctor!ڈاکٹر کو بلاؤ!
  [Doctor Ko Bulao!]
• I'm lostمیں گم ہوگیا ہوں
  [Mein Gum Hogaya Hoon]
• I'm illمیں بیمار ہوں
  [Mein Bemar Hoon]

• I'd like to buy...میں خریدنا چاہتا ہوں...
  [Mein Khareedna Chahta Hoon...]
• I'm just lookingمیں صرف دیکھ رہا ہوں
  [Mein Sirf Dekh Raha Hoon]
• How much is it?یہ کتنا ہے؟
  [Yeh Kitna Hai?]
• That's too expensiveیہ بہت مہنگا ہے
  [Yeh Bohat Mehnga Hai]
• Can you lower the price?کیا آپ قیمت کم کرسکتے ہیں؟
  [Kya Aap Keemat Kam Kar Sakte Hain?]

• What time is it?وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟
  [Waqt Kya Hua Hai?]
• It's one o'clockایک بجے ہیں
  [Aik Baje Hain]
• Half past (10)(۱۰) دس بج کر پندرہ منٹ
  [(10) Das Baj Kar Pandra Mint]
• Morningصبح
  [Subah]
• Afternoonدوپہر
  [Dopehar]
• Eveningشام
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayگزشتہ کل
  [Guzishta Kal]
• Todayآج
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowکل
  [Kal]
• 1ایک
  [Aik]
• 2دو
  [Do]
• 3تین
  [Teen]
• 4چار
  [Char]
• 5پانچ
  [Panch]
• 6چھ
  [Chhe]
• 7سات
  [Saat]
• 8آٹھ
  [Aath]
• 9نو
  [Nau]
• 10دس
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?کہاں ہے...؟
  [Kahan Hai...?]
• What's the address?پتہ کیا ہے؟
  [Pata Kya Hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?کیا آپ مجھے دکھا سکتے ہیں (نقشے پر)؟
  [Kya Aap Mujhe Dikha Sakte Hain (Naqsha Par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?اگلا (باس) کب ہے؟
  [Agla (Bus) Kab Hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)ایک ٹکٹ (سے ....)
  [Aik Ticket (Se ....)]

In the early 1960s, Pakistan's government decided to move the capital from Karachi to a more central location. Islamabad was chosen for its strategic location, natural beauty, and potential for future growth. The city was officially designated as the capital in 1963 and has since developed into a modern metropolis.

Long before Islamabad was conceived as Pakistan's capital, the region was part of the ancient Gandhara civilization, which flourished between the 6th century BCE and the 5th century CE. The area is rich in archaeological sites, including the ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, just a short drive from Islamabad.

The Margalla Hills, which form the backdrop of Islamabad, have a history dating back millions of years. Fossils found in the hills suggest that the region was once inhabited by ancient species. Today, the Margalla Hills National Park provides a natural escape for residents and visitors, with hiking trails and panoramic views.

Designed by Greek architect and town planner Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, Islamabad's layout is a blend of modernist principles and traditional Islamic architecture. The master plan divided the city into eight functional zones, including administrative, diplomatic, residential, and green areas, making it one of the most well-planned cities in South Asia.

Inaugurated in 1986, the Faisal Mosque is an iconic landmark of Islamabad and one of the largest mosques in the world. Funded by Saudi King Faisal bin Abdul-Aziz, the mosque's unique design by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay features a blend of contemporary and traditional Islamic architectural elements, with a stunning backdrop of the Margalla Hills.

Completed in 2007, the Pakistan Monument symbolizes the unity and progress of the country. Designed by architect Arif Masood, the monument's four main petals represent the four provinces, while the three smaller petals represent the territories. The adjoining museum provides an immersive experience into Pakistan's history and culture.

Founded in 1967, Quaid-i-Azam University is one of Pakistan's premier higher education institutions. Located at the base of the Margalla Hills, the university offers a serene environment for academic pursuits and has produced numerous notable alumni in various fields.

The Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad hosts embassies and high commissions from around the world. This area symbolizes Pakistan's international relations and serves as a hub for diplomatic activities. Its secure, well-planned layout ensures smooth operations and interactions between various countries.

The Lok Virsa Museum, also known as the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, was established in 1974 to preserve and promote Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage. Located in Shakarparian Park, the museum offers extensive exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and folklore from all regions of Pakistan.

Islamabad is accessible via Benazir Bhutto International Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is approximately 18 kilometers from the city center. You can also reach Islamabad by train, with the main railway station being Islamabad Railway Station. For those traveling by road, the city is well-connected via the M1 and M2 motorways, linking it to other major cities like Lahore and Peshawar.

Islamabad offers multiple transportation options including taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem, and local buses. The Metro Bus service is a reliable and economical option for traveling between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Renting a car is also an option, but be mindful of local driving conditions and traffic rules. For shorter distances, walking and cycling are convenient, especially in the more developed sectors of the city.

The official currency is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport, banks, and major hotels.

Islamabad is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it's essential to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Areas like G-9 Markaz and certain parts of Rawalpindi have higher crime rates, so be extra vigilant when visiting these places. Always use reputable transportation services and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for police, 16 for medical emergencies, and 1122 for fire services. Major hospitals like Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Shifa International Hospital provide emergency medical care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating and drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Address elders with respect, using titles like 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered rude.

To experience Islamabad like a local, visit the weekly bazaars known as 'Itwar Bazaars' for fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy a morning walk or jog at the picturesque Fatima Jinnah Park. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss visiting cultural landmarks like Lok Virsa Museum and Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views of the city. For a unique culinary experience, try the local street food in the F-10 and F-7 sectors.