Islamabad, city (1998 pop. 524,500), capital of Pakistan, NE Pakistan, just NE of Rawalpindi, the former interim capital. Construction of Islamabad [city of Islam] as the capital, replacing Karachi, began in 1960. There are light manufacturing industries. Points of interest include Pakistan House, the home of the president; the national assembly building; the National Univ.; the Grand National Mosque; and the botanical gardens. The nearby Murree Hills serve as a summer resort as well as summer headquarters for many diplomatic missions. Also near the city are the historical ruins of Taxila.

Capital (pop., 2007 est.: 780,000) of Pakistan, located northeast of Rawalpindi. Established in 1959 to replace Karachi as the capital, it was designed to blend modern and traditional Islamic architecture. The city itself is small, with an area of 25 sq mi (65 sq km), but the planned capital area has an expanse of 350 sq mi (906 sq km) of natural terraces and meadows surrounding the city. It is the seat of the University of Islamabad (founded 1965).

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