Pakistan’s capital Islamabad is at the center of discussion these days. The main reason for this is the peace talks between America and Iran. From PM to President, everyone in Pakistan is jumping with joy. He feels that he is the real reason behind the mediator’s role in the ceasefire between the neighboring country Iran and the distant country America. Islamabad is the heart and main center of power of Pakistan. It is called the power center of Pakistan.
It is not only the capital of the country, but also the biggest center of judicial, administrative and educational power of the country. Let us understand when Islamabad city became the center of talks between America and Iran? How did it become the power center of Pakistan? Why is it named in education? Supreme Court and Parliament are good because this is the capital of the country.
Islamabad is a city of new thinking
When Pakistan came into existence, Karachi was made the capital of the country. Karachi was a big trading center and port even then, and it is an important center even today. After a few days, the rulers realized that Karachi was located in a remote corner of the country. From there, it seemed difficult to run the administration of the entire country and make security related strategies.
Hoardings of peace talks have been put up at many places in Islamabad. Photo: PTI
In the year 1959, during the reign of President Ayub Khan, Pakistan decided to build a new capital. The main objective behind this was to establish a city which was safe, modern and from where the Army Headquarters i.e. Rawalpindi was also close. In the 1960s, the Greek architect Constantinos A. Doxiadis prepared the master plan of Islamabad.
safe location
Islamabad was established under the hills of Margalla. This place is naturally very safe. Its altitude and hilly terrain make it strategically important. Due to its proximity to Rawalpindi, coordination between the civil administration and the army became very easy. The geographical location here has played a major role in making Pakistan a power center.
US Vice President JD Vance (centre) with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Government in safe red zone
Islamabad is the main stage of Pakistan’s politics. Red Zone is the most important part of this city. The Parliament of Pakistan i.e. Majlis-e-Shoora, Rashtrapati Bhavan i.e. Awan-e-Sadr and the Prime Minister’s Secretariat are located here. All the major policy decisions of the country are taken in this small area. The balance between the army and the government is also decided in the streets of Islamabad. The headquarters of all the important intelligence agencies and ministries of Pakistan are located here. Be it a budget decision or a foreign policy decision, nothing is possible without Islamabad’s seal of approval.
National Assembly of Pakistan formed in Islamabad.
Supreme Court also has a big role
Islamabad is not only the center of the executive but also the highest seat of the judiciary. The Supreme Court of Pakistan is located in Islamabad. The role of the Supreme Court has been very influential in the politics of Pakistan in the last few decades. Major constitutional crises have been resolved through this court. The presence of the Supreme Court has provided an ideological and legal power to Islamabad. The orders issued from here change the direction of the entire country.
Became a center of education in a very short time
Islamabad is also called the intellectual capital of Pakistan. The best universities and think-tanks of the country are present here. Quaid-e-Azam University, famous for research and higher education, is located here. National University of Science and Technology is also in Islamabad. This university has a big name in the field of technology and science. COMSATS University is the center of IT and modern education. Because of these educational institutions, brilliant students and scholars from all over the country come to Islamabad. The intellectual discussions taking place here influence the policies of the government. The presence of experts and experts makes it a city where knowledge and power go hand in hand.
Faisal Mosque of Islamabad is the national mosque of Pakistan.
The city also plays a role in international diplomacy
The importance of Islamabad increases when it comes to international peace. Recently, Islamabad’s name has cropped up in the context of mediation or peace talks between America and Iran. Pakistan has historical and cultural relations with Iran, while it has strategic and military relations with America. Foreign embassies and diplomatic enclaves located in Islamabad make it an arena of international politics. Whenever there is tension between Gulf countries or Western countries, Islamabad often tries to act as a bridge. The diplomatic activity here makes it a powerful city in South Asia.
Planned city, modern infrastructure
Islamabad is completely different from other cities of Pakistan. It is a planned city. The roads here are wide, there is a lot of greenery and the city is divided into different sectors. Residential, commercial and industrial areas are clearly separated. For public transport there is a modern metrobus service. The standard of living and security situation here is considered better than any other city in Pakistan.
There are no less challenges here
Despite being clean and green, Islamabad is facing many challenges. The increasing population burden and uncontrolled construction in the surrounding areas are a matter of concern. Additionally, frequent political protests and demonstrations bring the city’s pace to a halt. D-Chowk has become the center of protests, which is a symbol of challenging power. But looking at the future, Islamabad’s hold is not going to weaken. The role of this city is going to remain more important in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other global projects.
It can be said that Islamabad was built as a dream. A city which is modern, organized and progressive. Today this city not only runs the government of Pakistan, but it also represents the country’s ideology and international identity. From the debates in Parliament to the peace of the hills, a different glow of power is visible in Islamabad. This city shows how an empty barren land can be transformed into the most powerful power center of the country in a few decades. From where lies the path to peace not only for Pakistan but sometimes also for the region.
Also read: Why is the hotel in Pakistan where America-Iran peace talks took place special?