Islamabad

As the administrative capital for decades, Islamabad has evolved from a calm city to a more bustling, international city in recent years. The city is home to most of the institutions of the Federal Government, including the Parliament, Embassies as well as the President and Prime Minister's buildings. The local populace has developed beyond federal government workers to a growing number of international business corporations which has helped the city develop in many ways.

Travelers can access the city via the Islamabad International Airport from most global destinations including London, Japan, China and several regional airline hubs. If you're traveling regionally, there are several bus and train options, including the Pakistan Railway with connections from major national cities such as Peshaware, Lahore and Karachi. Once in the country, there are a large number of taxis which have no set fares and require direct negotiations. If you're traveling on international business, you can also hire a private car during your trip.

Within the city, the government buildings remain the most prominent, although there are a a growing number of cultural and business institutions. The emerging financial center is known as the Blue Area and houses a number of multi national financial firms. Traditional culture is on display at the Faisal Masjid mosque, a gift from the Saudi royal family which is a symbol of the nation's traditional Muslim culture.

There are also a number of cultural institutions including a National Art Gallery, National Museum of Natural History, the Jasmine and Rose Garden as well as the Fatima Jinnah Park and Taxila, one of the world's most ancient Universities.