The city of Islamabad lies against the backdrop of Margalla Hills. On the basis of archaeological discoveries, archaeologists believe that a distinct culture flourished on this plateau as far back as 3000 years.
The material remains found on the site of the city prove the existence of a Buddhist establishment contemporary to Taxila but less celebrated than its neighbors. It appears that the city went into oblivion as a result of the Hun devastation. The first Muslim invader, Mahmood of Ghazni (979-1030 AD), gifted the ancient city to a Gakkhar Chief, Kai Gohar. The town, however, being on invaders' route could not prosper and remained deserted until Jhanda Khan, another Gakkhar Chief, restored it and gave the name of Rawalpindi after the village Rawal in 1493 AD. Rawalpindi is still a sister city of Islamabad and both are known as twin cities.
Islamabad in contrast to its sister city Rawalpindi is lush green, spacious and peaceful. The decision to build Islamabad was taken in 1958 under President Ayub Khan. Karachi, the capital since Independence in 1947, and Pakistan's largest city and only port, proved unsatisfactory because of its distance from many parts of the country and because of its debilitating climate. Islamabad on the other hand, offered a healthy climate, plenty of water and a central position on the Grand Trunk Road, close to Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. That nearby Rawalpindi was the headquarters of the Pakistan army was another consideration. Finally the site had historical connections because of its proximity to nearby Taxila, for many centuries the regions main city.A Greek firm of architects, Doxiadis Assosciates, drew up a master plan, triangular in shape based on a grid system with its apex towards the Margala Hills. The planners envisaged Islamabad eventually absorbing Rawalpindi entirely and stretching well to the west of the GT Road. The city was divided into eight zones : the diplomatic enclave , the commercial district, the educational sector, the industrial area and so on, each with its own shopping area and park. Construction began in 1961 and the first residents moved in two years later. Meanwhile, government offices were temporarily moved up to Rawalpindi. The city came to life on 26 October 1966, when the first office building was occupied.
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