Islamabad was selected by a Commission appointed in 1959 to recommend the location of the Capital of Pakistan in place of Karachi in which the Capital of the country was established at Independence in 1947. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) was constituted and entrusted with the planning and development of Islamabad. This responsibility has remained with the CDA since, including all Municipal Services. Initially the Capital was shifted from Karachi to Rawalpindi in 1959. However, by 1963, the new city came to life with the shifting of the pioneer residents. Until 1981, Islamabad was part of the Punjab Province, when Islamabad Capital Territory was demarcated and placed under Federal jurisdiction and administration.

Islamabad, with an area of 906.5 kms, is situated at the foot of Murree Hills, and forms the north-east part of the Potwar Plateau. The Capital Area is bordered to the north-east by hills and hilispurs of Margalla range with elevation of 762 to 1,615.5 metres. The Margalla range takes sharp curve at its eastern side and assumes an almost north-south direction. The area enjoys a pleasant climate. The maximum average in winter is 16.7° C and minimum 3.4°C; in summer, it is 34.2°C, and 24.4°C.

The total population of Islamabad, according to the 1981 census, is 210,000. The Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidency), Parliament Building, Secretariat Blocks, State Bank Complex, Rawal Lake, and FaisaI Mosque are some of the Capital’s land marks.

The local head of the Territory’s administration is designated as Administrator, who is assisted by Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner, and other functionaries at the district and subdivision levels. Subject to such general or special instructions as may, from time to time, be given to the Administrator by the Federal Government, he has, in respect of the Islamabad Capital Territory, all the powers and duties conferred on the Provincial Government under law for the time being in fnw~ in th~ 1?itiwv