Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad is a relatively young city, having only been established in 1960. Despite its youth, Islamabad has a rich history, with its roots stretching back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Islamabad has been a witness to many of the most pivotal moments in Pakistan's history, and has served as a beacon of progress and modernity in the country. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the history of Islamabad and how it has evolved over the years.
The earliest evidence of human settlement in the area that is now Islamabad dates back to the Neolithic Age, around 7000 BC. Archaeological remains from this time period suggest that the area was populated by hunter-gatherers. Over the next few thousand years, the area was settled by various civilizations, including the Gandhara, the Achaemenid Empire, the Kushan Empire, and the Mauryan Empire.
In the 16th century, the area that is now Islamabad came under the rule of the Mughal Empire. During this time, the area was known as “Koh-i-Jehangir”, which translates to “Mountain of Jehangir” in English. This was in reference to the Mughal Emperor, Jehangir, who was responsible for developing the area.
In the 18th century, the region was annexed by the Sikh Empire. During this time, the area was known as “Pindi”. In 1849, the British took control of the region and it became part of the Punjab Province. The area remained largely rural and undeveloped until the 1950s.
In 1960, the Pakistani government decided to build a new capital city in the region. The city was designed by the Greek-American architect Constantinos Doxiadis, and it was named Islamabad, which translates to “City of Islam” in English. The city was designed to be a modern, cosmopolitan metropolis and it quickly became the political and economic center of the country.
Over the years, Islamabad has seen significant growth and development. In the 1980s, the city was declared a “green city”, with large areas of parkland and green spaces. In the 1990s, the city was declared a “smart city”, with a focus on modern technology and infrastructure. Today, Islamabad is a bustling city with a population of over 1.7 million people.
Pakistan Islamabad has a long and fascinating history, one that has seen the city evolve from a rural backwater to a bustling metropolis. From its ancient roots to its modern-day development, Islamabad has been a witness to many of the most important moments in Pakistan's history.