Islamabad

 Modern, planned and organised, Islamabad is a 1960s answer to the teeming Asian city. Built from scratch as the new capital of Pakistan (replacing Karachi) the city is divided into eight zones, each with its own facilities to serve the 800,000 inhabitants. Like other recently-built capitals, it has a genuinely international, ‘diplomatic’ feel – and a newness that is reflected whenever you take in the skyline.

Must See:
With a stunning backdrop against the Margalla Hills in the distance, the Shah Faisal Masjid – or Faisal Mosque – is a breathtaking place of worship, built over ten years to hold 300,000 people.

Must eat at:
Haleen Ghar, with its family section, is the perfect place to come for a Pakistani feast if you’re travelling with small people in and around the Jinnah Market area. Among a slew of local delicacies, its brain masala is not for the faint-hearted.

Must be there for:
If you’re in Islamabad (or nearby Rawalpindi) on a Sunday, make tracks for the colourful and vibey Sunday Bazaar in the Argentina Park area for a whole universe of south Asian collectibles, carpets, curios and more.

Well-travelled facts:
· The original street plan for this ultra-modern city was developed by a Greek firm of architects
· Islamabad is divided into a series of sectors each measuring approximately 2km square.

Visa
British citizens need a visa to visit Pakistan. As several different types are available and conditions apply, please visit http://www.phclondon.org/HC/visa.htm