Living in Islamabad feels like living in a dream, everything seems so unreal, yet true. You get to live in one of the most well planned cities of the world and still stay connected with nature. Islamabad is even ranked as “the second most beautiful city’ in the world, according to some surveys. Here are just some of the many million things to which every Islamabadi can relate to. Enjoy:
1. Love for rainy days because our city looks SO pretty
Islamabad has usually got such beautiful days to offer almost every day when it comes to weather but absolutely nothing can be compared to a rainy day in Islamabad. All it takes is a little pouring rain and the wet roads are nothing less than that of London’s. Everything looks extraordinary when it rains in Islamabad, let it be the streets or the Margalla Hills.
2. Knowing that Jinnah Super > Centaurus, forever
Or any other place, to be honest! When the city got its mega mall for a while, everyone was too happy about it. People actually spent long days wandering around and looking for the things they did not need to buy but then that phase went by and when we got pretty bored of it, Jinnah super was still there to welcome us with open arms.
3. Having a social circle in which the whole city knows each other
Living in Islamabad means you get to have a huge social circle. Almost everyone knows everyone of their age. the phrase “dunya gol hai” fits right in for us. You can always track anyone down by just asking around about them. You will definitely have a mutual friend with them right on the street.
4. Being called burger by even the most burger people from other cities (looking at you Lahori bachay)
This one gets on my nerves. People from other cities love to use this slang term for the people of Islamabad. Is it because we do not randomly get into fights and have a little sense of manners?
5. Going to Shaheen chemist for almost everything
Need the new lipstick color? Shaheen has it. What about those cool shades? Yes, Shaheen has them too! Of course, Shaeen CHEMISTS are also the go to place for your medicine supply. And one thing we can never get straight: Why is D. Watson always located next to Shaheen?
6. Having such a beautiful railway station that you don’t even know about
A lot of people living in Islamabad have never been to the Railway station located in I-9 sector. Some of us didn’t even know that Islamabad has a station, before now. The station does see a lot of couples posing for their wedding shoot and some random students from IQRA or NUML.
7. Having the best park/hiking track/natural beauty i.e. MARGALLA HILLS
It does not matter if you went to Pir Sohawa last week, you still want to go there this weekend as well. And every day of the week, to be honest. Why? Because the hills are always calling you. An Islamabadi will never ever ever get tired of going to Margalla Hills.
8. Coffee shops and hangouts with the best views
In the recent times, there have been so many coffee shops opened up in the capital but you keep on going back to your favorite spots. Your hangout place in Islamabad never loses its charm. And the views! Plus the weather!
9. Judging the tourists (non-Islamabadis)
You meet new people in your university or at work and you secretly hope that they belong to Islamabad as well and when you come to know that they are from some faraway place your heart sinks a little because those ‘tourists’ can never love Islamabad like a true born and bred Islamabadi. You think you are from Islamabad and that makes you the coolest.
10. Almost never being stuck in a traffic jam
Whenever you’re late to your work in Islamabad being stuck in traffic can never be your excuse. There are rarely any traffic jams in Islamabad and even if one occurs it’s usually due to VIP movement or some political reasons ahemdharnaahem and that automatically means holiday!
11. Speeding at the 7th avenue
You are very well aware of the speed limit on this road still you cant help pushing the accelerator harder and harder. When you are driving at a late hour and there are very few cars on the avenue, you just have to speed up a little. What’s the thrill in living life according to the rules anyway?
12. Going to Pindi every now and then and secretly NOT hating it
It has become a trend to bash Pindi for the indecent boys or perhaps people find it a bit too “desi” but the fact remains: Every Islamabadi goes to Pindi more than just twice a month. Dubai Plaza serves as the ultimate place for the guys who have a thing for laptops and mobile phones. Girls love to hang out at Chandani Chowk because where else would they go for shaadi ke kaprey? And don’t you just love refreshment center ka nashta? And admit it, you secretly wish that rickshaws were allowed in Islamabad too.
13. Calling your markets Markaz
F10 Markaz, G9 Markaz, F11 Markaz, G11 Markaz… and the list just goes on and on.
14. Friday and Eid prayers at THE Faisal Mosque
No one wants to miss the Friday prayers at Faisal mosque even if that means driving miles away from your home. You just cant stop being awe-struck by this even if you’ve been here a zillion times before.
15. Having an intense love and craving for your city when you’re away from it
No matter how many countries you have visited or however many cities you’ve lived in within Pakistan. No place can be compared to Islamabad. This city will always hold a special place in your heart. it is more than just home, it is an emotion. You can never lose an argument when it comes to Islamabad. The peace you find here is beyond everything. 🙂
Who knew that a city could mean so much to anyone that you just cant possibly adjust yourself to any other place.
