How the sectors work

Each residential sector has a letter and a number, such as F-7, and covers roughly 2 km by 2 km, split into four numbered sub-sectors (F-7/1 to F-7/4). Letters run north to south and numbers east to west. A sector’s central market is called its markaz; F-6’s is known as Super Market.

What each sector letter is mainly used for
SectorsMainly
EResidential; many foreigners and diplomatic staff live here.
F and GThe most developed residential sectors, with the main markets.
HMostly universities and hospitals (NUST is in H-12).
IMostly industrial, except I-8, which is residential.

Areas visitors often choose

Areas, what they are known for, and the straight-line distance from Islamabad International Airport
AreaKnown forFrom the airport
F-6Super Market, and Kohsar Market in F-6/3.about 30 km
F-7Jinnah Super Market.about 29 km
Blue AreaThe central business district, a strip along Jinnah Avenue.about 30 km
G-9Residential, with the Karachi Company shopping area.about 25 km
E-11Residential, towards the west of the city.about 21 km

The Diplomatic Enclave (in G-5) needs a pass, so it isn’t somewhere to look for a room. Distances are straight lines to the middle of the places we list in each area.

Islamabad or Rawalpindi?

The two cities touch and are often called the Twin Cities. Islamabad is the planned capital and the centre of government; Rawalpindi is the centre of commerce, industry and the military. The airport is about the same distance from Zero Point in Islamabad as from Saddar in Rawalpindi.

Arriving at Islamabad International Airport

  • The airport opened in May 2018, about 25 km south-west of Islamabad, roughly the same distance from Zero Point in Islamabad and Saddar in Rawalpindi.
  • The US advisory says tourists cannot buy a Pakistani SIM card at the airport; you need an official mobile operator store.
  • Ask your hotel about a pickup. The UK advice says to avoid public transport, including the Metro Bus between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

What travel advisories say about Islamabad

The UK advice (updated 13 October 2026) says: “Police and security agencies have a significant presence in Islamabad. Exercise caution in the outlying districts, such as I-8, I-9, I-10, and I-11 and areas further west.” It adds that the Red Mosque (Lal Masjid), Aabpara Market in G-6 and the Islamabad Press Club “have been a focal point for protests”.

Neither the UK nor the US government ranks neighbourhoods as safe or unsafe, and we don’t either. Read the current UK advice or US advisory before you travel.

Before you book

  • Ask for the total price per night, with taxes, and what is included.
  • Use the sector name when you check the address: “F-7/2” is far more precise than “near Blue Area”.
  • Ask about airport pickup, backup power and parking.
  • Get the booking confirmed in writing, by email or WhatsApp.

Sources

Checked on 21 October 2026. Rules and advice change; follow the source if you are deciding something important.

  1. UK FCDO: Pakistan, regional risks
  2. UK FCDO: Pakistan, safety and security
  3. US Department of State: Pakistan travel advisory, Level 3 (issued 16 June 2026)
  4. Wikipedia: Islamabad
  5. Wikipedia: Sectors of Islamabad
  6. Wikipedia: Blue Area
  7. Wikipedia: Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area
  8. Wikipedia: Islamabad International Airport