Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan. It is the political hub of the country as it hosts a number of important government offices, consulates and embassies and, last but not the least, the Parliament House. It is a calm and peaceful city, blessed with majestic mountains, abundant greenery and a beautiful landscape. From the Margalla Hills National Park, Shakarparian to Pir Sohawa and Daman e Koh, the city offers fascinating views and many tourist spots. Islamabad also provides convenience to its residents through its well-planned motorways, by which people can easily commute as well as travel to the northern areas. Popularly known as M-2, the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway links the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Lahore. There is another motorway called M-1, which spreads over 155 kms, linking Islamabad with the northern areas of Pakistan.
Islamabad’s population is a fusion of local and foreign culture, with people belonging to multiple ethnicities, religious beliefs and even foreign nationalities living together. The real estate sector of Islamabad is booming, thanks to the development of many new and well-planned residential schemes. If you are looking to rent a property in Islamabad, then there are many options to explore. From bungalows and houses to individual portions and apartments, there is a lot to choose from. Here, you will not find crowded streets, packed houses and cramped up spaces. You will, instead, find spacious houses and flats. Mostly, people who cherish nature, enjoy living here, especially in apartments with big rooms and open terraces and balconies. The most popular locations for renting flats in Islamabad are, are DHA, Bahria Town, E-11 and F-11.
There is a wide variety of apartments available on rent in Islamabad. There are 1,2,3,4 and even 5 bedroom luxury flats available. The 1 bedroom rental flats in Islamabad are available, with exotic views and complete furnishings. But if you are a student or a bachelor, searching for studio apartments with affordable rent, then Soan Garden, Islamabad, has plenty to offer. It consists of standardly sized bedroom-units with an attached bathroom, a cosy TV lounge and a small kitchen. For smaller families, renting 2 bed apartments can also be a viable option.
In the posh locality of DHA, there are 1,2,3 and 4-bed apartments for rent available. For the convenience of residents, there are elevators with electricity power back-up. DHA is a gated community with its own water filtration plant, family park and educational institutions. Hyperstar, Rahat Bakery and Army Public School are also in the vicinity.
For people who are searching for bigger apartments in Islamabad, the option of renting a 3 bed apartment is also available. Located in the city’s outskirts, in Bani Gala, you will find these spacious flats. They are available with 2-3 beds, attached bathrooms, a drawing/dining area, TV lounge and a kitchen as well as basic amenities like gas, water and electricity. But if you go further into the city, there are luxury apartments being offered in Askari Tower, DHA. These are brand new, comprising 3-4 master bedrooms with attached baths, a drawing and dining room, TV lounge, furnished kitchen with a built-in oven and a servant’s quarter.
The ideal flats for rent in Islamabad are available in Centaurus Mall with a huge kitchen having dinner set, crockery and all fittings. There is no load shedding, which is a huge advantage, and back up electricity is also available. Bahria Town Islamabad also offers apartments on rent. It has an uninterrupted supply of electricity and gas with no load shedding in the area. It is a gated community with top-notch amenities like a mini golf course, a horse riding club, an opera theatre, a safari club and a mini formula one racing track.
The rental trends for studio apartments in Islamabad range from PKR 6,000 to PKR 1.4 lakh per month. But the fully furnished, luxury studio apartments, the ones facing Margalla Hills, are available at a steep price of PKR 1.4 lakh per month. The price range for 2-bedroom flats starts from as low as PKR 10,000 to as high as PKR 3.97 lakh per month for furnished apartments. The prices for 3 bedroom flats start from PKR 13,000, going as high as PKR 3.32 lakh per month.
A 1-bed apartment for rent in Bahria Town ranges between PKR 8,000 and PKR 55,000 per month. The 1-bed luxury apartments in Bahria Town could cost you even more as these come with installed split air conditioners, LCD TVs, a sofa set, bed set, dining set, fridge, automatic washing machine, gas oven and microwave oven. 2-bed furnished apartments are also available on rent in Bahria Town with the starting price being PKR 30,000, going as high as PKR 1 lakh (at Esquire Service Apartments). It has many facilities including wifi, gymnasium and a rooftop garden.
Islamabad has some of the best hospitals in the country. There are various public and private hospitals in the city. PIMS is one of the best hospitals in the country, especially for obstetrics and gynaecology and pediatric care and also for treating Thalassemia patients. There are many renowned clinics and hospitals with highly qualified medical practitioners and doctors, providing medical care to the residents here. Maroof International Hospital, Saudi German Hospital in Bahria Town, Kulsoom International Hospital, Quaid e Azam International Hospital and Shifa Hospital provide medical services at any time of the day.
With the highest literacy rate — 98% — in the country, Islamabad has a number of reputable schools and colleges. There are many government schools and private schools, offering both matriculation and Cambridge systems of education. Froebel’s International School, Army Public School, Head Start School, CDA Model School, Lahore Grammar School and Jinnah Public School are some of the leading schools in Islamabad. Other leading educational institutes, for higher education, are Quaid e Azam University, COMSATS, Air University, Riphah International University, Bahria University, Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, NUST, University College of Islamabad, Muslim Youth University and Dr. AQ Khan Institute of Technology & Management.
Islamabad has many shopping avenues – the most famous one being the F-10 Markaz. For designer clothing brands and accessories, The Centaurus Mall is a shopper’s paradise.
When it comes to food, Islamabad has a variety of dining options that not only suit the taste buds of the local people but also satisfy the palate of tourists coming in from different countries. There are many popular restaurants in Islamabad such as Des Perdes, The Monal Restaurant, Wild Rice Restaurant, Dawat Restaurant in Serena Hotel, Savour Foods Restaurant, Roasters Coffee House & Grill and Howdy Islamabad. Tuscany Courtyard is a restaurant that specializes in Italian cuisine. People also socialize at coffee houses like The Mocca Coffee, The Lime Tree and Rakaposhi Cafe.
Islamabad is a clean and green city with almost all modern amenities — proper sanitation, high-end security, moderate climate and well-carpeted roads. There are various tourist points like Lok Virsa Museum, Shahdara and Pir Sohawa. The Faisal Mosque is a unique architectural wonder in Islamabad, which was constructed by a Turkish architect, and holds great significance, as Late King Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia funded the project. Islamabad also hosts major national and international level events such as IT summits, property expos and job fairs, creating many opportunities for individuals and businesses to thrive.
Islamabad is one of the safest cities in Pakistan. The Islamabad police keep a vigilant eye on the streets. There are police check posts in different locations that ensure tight security in the area. Also, technology-led policing is envisioned under the Safe City Project, with Intelligence Video Surveillance, Digital Forensic Laboratory, Vehicle Management System Cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition facilities. There are some residents who take extra security measures and hire services of security companies that provide personal guards, escort services, bodyguards, office security guards, field security and executive protection as well.
In real estate, Islamabad holds great importance as it is the capital city. It not only provides almost all local amenities but also keeps the safety and security of its people a top priority. With major events and conferences being held in the city; Islamabad represents Pakistan’s positive image to the world. Those people who can not afford a big investment, usually get a house on rent at economical prices. The major reasons for choosing Islamabad over other cities, for residential purposes, include better standards of living, a relatively clean environment and good job opportunities.
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