Islamabad Sectors Explained: A Guide to the City’s Grid
How Islamabad’s sector system works: what the letters and numbers mean, the character of E, F, G, H and I sectors, markazes, Blue Area and how addresses work.
Markets and Malls in Islamabad
A guide to shopping in Islamabad: sector markets like Jinnah Super and Super Market, Aabpara, the big malls, weekly bazaars, crafts and bargains.
Key takeaways
- Every sector has a central market; F-6 Super Market and F-7 Jinnah Super are the busiest.
- Large malls such as Centaurus offer international brands, food courts and entertainment.
- For bargains, visit the weekly bazaar in H-9 and markets like Aabpara and Karachi Company.
On this page
Shopping in Islamabad follows the city’s grid. Each sector has a central markaz with shops, banks, pharmacies and restaurants, and a few markets and malls draw people from across the twin cities. Here’s where to go for what.
The main markets
| Market | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Super Market | F-6 Markaz | Clothes, bookshops, pharmacies, everyday errands |
| Kohsar Market | F-6/3 | Upmarket grocers, cafés, boutiques |
| Jinnah Super | F-7 Markaz | Fashion, shoes, tailors, restaurants |
| Aabpara Market | G-6 | Traditional bazaar: fabrics, household goods, bargains |
| Blue Area | Along Jinnah Avenue | Banks, offices, electronics, services |
| Karachi Company | G-9 Markaz | Affordable clothes, electronics, street food |
| F-10 and F-11 Markaz | F-10, F-11 | Family shopping, grocers, services |
Malls
- Centaurus Mall, on Jinnah Avenue near F-8, is the city’s best-known mall, with international and Pakistani brands, a large food court, cinema and play areas.
- Safa Gold Mall in F-7 offers brands and eateries in a central location.
- Giga Mall, on GT Road in DHA, is a big draw for residents of the southern housing societies and Rawalpindi.
Malls are busiest in the evenings and at weekends, and fill up before Eid.
Weekly bazaars
The large weekly bazaar in H-9, often called the Itwar or Sunday bazaar, sells fresh produce, household goods, clothes and second-hand items at low prices. Go early for the best choice, and keep valuables secure in the crowds.
Crafts and souvenirs
- Lok Virsa, the national heritage institute near Shakarparian, has a museum and craft outlets, and hosts craft festivals.
- Saidpur Village, below the Margalla Hills, has handicraft shops alongside its restaurants.
- Look for truck-art pieces, embroidered textiles, carpets, onyx and pottery from across Pakistan.
Shopping tips
- Bargaining is normal in bazaars and small shops, but not in malls and branded stores.
- Timings: most markets open late morning and stay busy until late evening. Many shops close for Friday prayers around midday.
- Cash and cards: cards are widely accepted in malls and larger shops; carry cash for bazaars and small vendors.
- Tailoring: Jinnah Super and Aabpara have many tailors; allow extra time before Eid.
- Parking is tight in F-6 and F-7 in the evenings.
Hungry after shopping? See our guide to restaurants by sector, or grab coffee at one of the cafés in F-6 and F-7. New to the city layout? Start with Islamabad’s sectors explained.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the biggest mall in Islamabad?
Centaurus and Giga Mall are among the largest and best-known malls in the twin cities.
Where can I buy traditional crafts?
Lok Virsa, Saidpur Village and the handicraft shops in F-6 and F-7 are good places to start.
Are markets open on Sundays?
Many are, and Sunday is a busy shopping day. Some smaller shops close for part of the day; check before you go.
Sources
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