Islamabad
Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabd, Pakistan.
This beautiful mosque was designed by a renowned Turkish Architect,
Vedat Dalokay and named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. It is
spread over an area of 1,89,705 sq. meters with 88 meters high minarets
and 40 meters high main prayer hall. The main prayer hall has the
capacity to accommodate 10,000 persons while the covered porticos
and verandahs can take over 24,000 people. The main courtyard has
space for 40,000 people.
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif (Barri Imam)
Nurpur Shahan, a village situated at the foot of Margalla Hills,
near Quaid-e-Azam University, is famous for the mirror-studded shrine
of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Kazmi, popularly known as Bari Imam.
The shrine was originally built on the order of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The death anniversary (Urs) of Bari Imam is observed in the first
week of May beginning Monday through Thursday with lots of festivities
representing the culture of Potohar and attracts people from all
over the country.
Shrine of Syed Meher Ali Shah (Golra Sharif)
The shrine of Syed Meher Ali Shah of Golra Sharif is located 18
km from Rawalpindi, in sector E-11 of Islamabad. He was descendant
of a Syed family and had links with Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani of Baghdad.
He was born in 1859, preached and spread the message of Islam during
the turbulent times in South Asia. He also wrote beautiful prose
and poetry in Persian, Arabic and Punjabi languages, mostly in praise
of God and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He died on May
11, 1937. His mausoleum was recently reconstructed. Devotees assemble
here on the occasion of annual Urs.
Universities in Islamabad
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU)
This University (AIOU) was established in 1974 as People's Open
University and was renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University in 1977.
It is in sector H-8. President of Pakistan is the Chancellor of
the University. This University is a Semi-Governmental/State-owned
enterprise. The University offers doctorate, master, degree, diploma
and certificate programs.
Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU)
Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) was established in 1965 in Islamabad.
President of Pakistan is the Chancellor. The University offers postgraduate
degrees.
International Islamic University (IIU)
International Islamic University (IIU) was founded in November
1980 and is located in the vicinity of Shah Faisal Mosque. President
of Pakistan is the Chancellor. This University aims at re-constructing
human thought in all its forms on the foundations of Islam.
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
NUST was founded in 1991.
University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi
Fatima Jinnah University for Women, Rawalpindi
Museums
Lok Virsa
The Lok Virsa also known as the National Institute of Folk and
Traditional Heritage works towards preserving the living folk and
traditional culture of Pakistan. This Folk Heritage Museum, located
near Shakarparian Hills, has a large display of embroidered costumes,
jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, block printing, ivory and bone work.
Traditional architecture facades exhibiting such skills as fresco,
mirror work, marble inlay, tile's mosaic and stucco tracery are
also displayed. Lok Virsa Heritage Reference Library is equipped
with resource data on ethnography, anthropology, folk music, art,
history and crafts.
Pakistan Museum of Natural History
This Museum of Natural History is located opposite the Women's
College on College Road in F-7/2, Commercial Area. The Museum depicts
early human history, geology, and wildlife of Pakistan. The exhibits
are of particular interest to students and children.
Islamabad Museum - Pakistan
Islamabad museum presents a long historic sequence of the land
where Pakistan is situated today. Pakistan has been a seat of the
world's leading civilizations from the time immemorial. There is
plenty of evidence to support this argument now on display in Islamabad
Museum. For example, 20 million years old fossil remains, 2 million
years old man-made stone tools, 7000 years old early human settlements,
which lead to the world famous Indus Civilization, Gandhara Grave
Culture and Gandhara art, early Islamic settlement and Mughal period,
their art and craft.
Art Galleries
Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan
Idara Saqafat-e-Pakistan also known as the Pakistan National Council
of the Arts runs two art galleries. First the National Gallery which
is located at House # 77, Street # 48, F-7/4, Islamabad. Here contemporary
Pakistani art is on permanent display besides revolving exhibitions
and paintings available for sale.
Children Art Plaza
It is situated at # 77, School Road, F-7/4, Islamabad, where Children's
art is on display and regular art classes are held for children.
Islamabad Sports Complex
A Sports Complex comprising of Liaquat Gymnasium for indoor games
and Jinnah Stadium for outdoor games has been built with the Chinese
assistance. It is located on Shahra-e-Kashmir near Aabpara. Regular
national and international sports events are held in the Complex.
Margalla Pass
This small pass is located 26 km west of Islamabad on G.T. Road.
Margalla is mentioned in the writings of historians and emperors
like Alberuni, Ferishta and Jehangir. Today, it is a pass between
the ancient capital of Gandhara i.e. Taxila, and the modern capital
of Pakistan, i.e. Islamabad. There is an obelisk right on the top
of the Pass, built in 1890 in memory of Brig. Gen. John Nicholson
(died on 23 September 1857) of British army, by his colleagues.
A small part of the ancient Shahi (Royal) Road can be seen just
across the pass, left of G.T. Road. This road was first built by
the Persians in 516 BC and later developed by the Afghan King Sher
Shah Suri in 1540s. An inscription on the western side of this stone
pavement shows that it was again repaired in 1672 AD.
Shakarparian Hills
Shakarparian Hills are situated near Zero Point at a height of
about 609 meters. Its terraced garden offer pleasant and sweeping
vistas of Margalla and Murree hills, Rawal Lake, Rawalpindi and
Islamabad. Snack Bar facility is also available.
Fatima Jinnah Park
The entire sector of F-9 is being developed as an attractive urban
park, which will have a profusion of lakes, rock gardens, aquariums,
fountains etc. It has been named after Miss Fatima Jinnah, sister
of the founder of Pakistan.
Murghzar Mini Zoo and Children's Park
Murghzar Mini Zoo is located at the foot of Daman-e-Koh viewpoint.
A display corner of Pakistan Museum of Natural History and a Japanese
style children's park have also been established near the Zoo. The
Park is a gift to Pakistani children from the children of Japan.
Daman-e-Koh - Islamabad, Pakistan.
A low hill overlooking Islamabad is known as Daman-e-Koh. It offers
panoramic view of Islamabad. The place is ideal for afternoon and
evening outing.
Source: Ptv.com.pk
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