Introduction
When most people picture Islamabad, they think of grand avenues, tree-lined sectors, and a city designed for order and elegance. Few realize, however, that beneath this modern capital lies a much older story — the story of villages that existed here long before bulldozers cleared the land for Pakistan’s new seat of government.
In the early 1960s, when General Ayub Khan’s administration decided to shift the capital from Karachi to a more central and secure location, the Potohar plateau was chosen. The decision transformed sleepy hamlets, farmland, and ancient shrines into the foundation of a world-class city. While Islamabad became a symbol of progress, its roots remain deeply tied to the villages that preceded it.
This is their story.
Why Islamabad Was Built Here
The selection of Islamabad was not random. The site, resting at the foot of the Margalla Hills, was geographically central, climatically pleasant, and symbolically positioned between provinces. Moreover, it lay close to Rawalpindi, which served as the interim capital.
But this central land was not empty. It was already occupied by communities with centuries of history. In fact, many of these villages dated back to the Mughal era and even earlier. Farmers tilled wheat, corn, and millet; Sufi saints drew followers to their shrines; and traders carried goods along the historic Grand Trunk Road.
When land acquisition began, hundreds of families had to relocate or adapt. Some villages were erased, while others blended into the master plan of Islamabad.
🌿 The Old Villages That Became Part of Islamabad
Saidpur Village
Once a small settlement at the foothills of the Margallas, Saidpur is now one of Islamabad’s cultural gems. Preserved as a heritage site, it showcases old architecture, temples, and narrow lanes that echo with stories of past centuries. Visitors today sip coffee in cafes housed inside traditional homes — a reminder of the blend between past and present.
Nurpur Shahan
Located near the revered Bari Imam shrine, Nurpur Shahan has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. Despite Islamabad’s expansion, it retains its spiritual importance. Thousands still gather here annually for religious festivals, proving that modernity and tradition can coexist.
Golra Sharif
Perhaps the most famous of Islamabad’s old villages, Golra Sharif is home to a renowned Sufi shrine and the historic Golra Railway Station. Its spiritual and cultural influence extends beyond Pakistan, attracting devotees from around the globe.
Shah Allah Ditta
A village with over 700 years of continuous settlement, Shah Allah Ditta contains Buddhist-era caves, Mughal relics, and centuries-old banyan trees. It remains one of the few places where you can walk through layers of history in a single afternoon.
Rawal Village
Not all villages survived. Rawal Village, once nestled in fertile lands, was submerged under Rawal Lake when the dam was built to supply water to the capital. The community was relocated, but its memory lingers beneath the lake’s calm surface.
Bani Gala Settlements
Originally agrarian hamlets with small clusters of homes, Bani Gala has transformed dramatically. Today it is known for elite residences and political gatherings, but its roots lie in modest farming communities.
Tarnol & Sangjani
Situated along the ancient Grand Trunk Road, these villages served as roadside communities for centuries. They still thrive today, bustling with transport depots, trade, and working-class energy.
Chak Shahzad
Once dominated by agriculture, Chak Shahzad now hosts farmhouses, research centers, and universities. The transformation from wheat fields to luxury estates highlights the changing face of Islamabad.
Barakahu
Predating Islamabad by centuries, Barakahu remains a large, lively town. Its bustling bazaars and narrow alleys serve as a reminder of Potohar’s traditional life.
Kuri Village
One of the oldest settlements in the region, Kuri stands as a living museum of Potohari culture. Despite development pressures, it maintains its rural character.
🏡 What Happened to Them?
The fate of these villages varied:
- Integrated into the city: Saidpur became a preserved heritage site; Golra and Shah Allah Ditta retained spiritual significance.
- Displaced or submerged: Rawal Village vanished under water; others were relocated to make way for roads and sectors.
- Survived as rural pockets: Chak Shahzad, Tarnol, and Kuri continue as active communities within Islamabad’s limits.
Did You Know? 🌟
- Islamabad’s layout, designed by Greek architect Constantinos Doxiadis, intentionally preserved some villages as “cultural anchors.”
- Shah Allah Ditta’s caves date back over 2,500 years, linking Islamabad’s land to the Buddhist Gandhara civilization.
- Golra Railway Station, built in the late 19th century, still functions and houses a railway heritage museum.
The Human Side: Stories of Displacement
Development always comes with trade-offs. When Islamabad was built, thousands of villagers had to move. Families were compensated, but many lamented the loss of ancestral homes and farmland. Oral histories describe both pride in contributing to the capital and sorrow over uprooted traditions.
Even today, older residents of Barakahu or Tarnol recall a time before Islamabad — when life moved slower, and the sound of the azaan carried across open fields.
Why These Villages Still Matter
Understanding Islamabad’s village roots enriches our appreciation of the capital. They remind us that:
- Cities are built on communities, not just concrete.
- Preserving heritage fosters cultural pride.
- A balance between progress and tradition is essential.
FAQ Section
❓ Which villages existed before Islamabad?
Some of the oldest include Saidpur, Nurpur Shahan, Golra Sharif, Shah Allah Ditta, Rawal, Bani Gala, Tarnol, Sangjani, Chak Shahzad, Barakahu, and Kuri Village.
❓ What happened to Rawal Village?
It was submerged under Rawal Lake during dam construction in the 1960s. Residents were relocated.
❓ Why did the government keep some villages?
Architect Doxiadis believed cultural sites should anchor the new capital, so villages like Saidpur, Golra, and Shah Allah Ditta were preserved.
❓ Are these villages still inhabited?
Yes, many remain active, such as Barakahu, Tarnol, Chak Shahzad, and Kuri. Others, like Saidpur, serve as cultural heritage and tourist attractions.
❓ Can tourists visit them?
Absolutely. Saidpur and Shah Allah Ditta are especially popular with visitors seeking heritage, culture, and natural beauty.
Conclusion
Islamabad may be celebrated as one of the world’s most modern planned capitals, but its foundation rests on the shoulders of ancient communities. The villages of Saidpur, Golra, Shah Allah Ditta, and others continue to whisper stories of resilience and tradition amid the hum of modern life.
By remembering and preserving these roots, we ensure that Islamabad’s soul remains as alive as its skyline.
