Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is as recently built as 1966, while Rawalpindi, its twin city, 14 km away, carries the essence and flavour of an old city, with narrow winding lanes, old bustling bazaars and several historical sites. The twin cities are built against the stunning backdrop of the Margalla Hills in the north on the Potohar plateau. Islamabad was built as an alternative to Karachi, the erstwhile capital, by a highly reputed team of architects and is ultra modern with towering buildings, wide avenues and beautifully laid out gardens of rose, jasmine and bougainvillea.

On the basis of archaeological discoveries, experts believe that a civilisation flourished on this plateau as far back as 300, 000 years. Though physically it lies within the region of Punjab, Islamabad is administered separately. Rawalpindi is an important commercial and industrial centre, and the headquarters of the Pakistan army.