Why Pakistan Shifted From Karachi To Islamabad?

Pakistan’s capital shifted from Karachi to Islamabad primarily because Islamabad provided a more suitable administrative location.

Main Reasons:

• Geographic Centrality: Islamabad’s location was chosen for its relative proximity to Pakistan’s population and political heartland in Punjab, and at the time it was considered more central in view of both West and East Pakistan.
• Security: Karachi’s coastal position made it vulnerable to naval attacks, a concern during the Cold War, whereas Islamabad, being inland and near the military headquarters in Rawalpindi, was considered more secure.
• Overcrowding In Karachi: Karachi faced severe overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and recurring political unrest, which made it increasingly unsuitable for the federal government’s operations.
• Purpose-Built Capital: Under President Ayub Khan, Islamabad was purpose-built from 1961 as a planned capital, with modern infrastructure, spacious design, and administrative order.

The relocation also aimed to separate commercial pressures from governance, since Karachi was the country’s business hub, and symbolized a fresh national vision distinct from colonial legacies. Building Islamabad symbolized a fresh vision for national unity and governance.