Islamabad Club Under Examination

Islamabad Club stands as an iconic symbol of luxury, recreation, and grandeur in the heart of Pakistan’s capital. Established in 1967, the club has evolved into a prestigious institution offering tons of recreational and sports facilities to its esteemed members. 

Today, Graana.com will delve into the rich background, diverse sport facilities, and exclusive amenities this club offers.

History of Islamabad Club

Established in 1967 Islamabad Club was created to provide recreational and sports facilities to government servants, diplomats, and residents. Initially registered as a limited company, the club underwent a transformation in 1978 when the government resumed its ownership. 

Operating under the Club Ordinance, Islamabad Club became a statutory body, with the President of Pakistan as its Patron. Over the years, the administrative control of the club has shifted following the abolishment of CA&DD in 2018.

Today, the club operates without government grants by an Administrator and a Managing Committee appointed by the Federal Government. Notably, the club has seen distinguished personalities as its patrons including:

• Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan
• Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
• Dr. Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi

Over time, administrators and secretaries played pivotal roles in the club’s management, ensuring its smooth operation.

Facilities at Islamabad Club

Think of the best thing to do in Islamabad, now imagine having the opportunity to experience them all in one place, that’s Islamabad Club. The place offers a bunch of world-class facilities including sports, dining, cinema, leisure, and much more.  

Sports Facilities

Islamabad Club contains a range of sports facilities, providing members with a playground of leisure and athleticism. Let’s look at them in detail.

Riding

Recently revamped, the horse riding facilities at Islamabad Club cater to riders of all levels. Three riding rings of varying sizes ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both children and adults. 

The club promotes the sport through specially designed classes for different age groups, offering both learning and casual riding options. With professional trainers and well-maintained facilities, this establishment aims to foster a new generation of riders.

Polo

Polo at Islamabad Club is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Collaborating with Battro Polo Fields, renowned Argentinean experts, the club entails a state-of-the-art facility comparable to the best polo clubs worldwide.

The ground here is well-equipped for anyone containing;

• A Floodlit Arena
• Stables
• Paddocks
• Exercise Tracks

Additionally, the club employs some of the highly-recognized trainers for their academies. For instance, the world-renowned Argentine coach, Mr. Matias De Olmos, leads all the polo courses here.

Golf

The Islamabad Club Golf Course (ICGC) has been a prominent entity since its founding in 1967. Inaugurated by President Ayub Khan, the 18-hole championship course has hosted numerous national and international tournaments. In response to high demand, an additional 9 holes were added in 2011. ICGC offers a premier golfing experience, combining challenges and sporting excellence in the heart of the capital.

Futsal

Adding to its diverse sports offerings, Islamabad Club introduced a Futsal court built to international standards. This basketball-sized court features synthetic turf, ample seating, and floodlights, allowing night play. The club organises regular tournaments and runs a comprehensive academy led by professional Futsal coaches, providing healthy sports activities for members and their families.

Basketball

The basketball facilities at Islamabad Club cater to enthusiasts of the fast-paced sport. With well-maintained courts, members can enjoy both casual play and competitive matches. The club’s commitment to sports excellence is evident in the provision of high-quality facilities for various sports.

Gymnasium

The club’s gym facility offers a variety of state-of-the-art equipment for fitness programs to individuals of all ages. With trained instructors, members can benefit from customised exercise programs, including group classes. The introduction of the Kinesis room brings a new dimension to exercise, emphasising integrated movement training.

Swimming

This club houses some of the best swimming pools in Islamabad including advanced covered and outdoor pools. These pools are meticulously maintained to ensure hygienic and safe conditions. Professional lifeguards and coaching facilities are available for both ladies and gentlemen, making it a popular attraction for members and their children.

Tennis

The club features nine clay courts and one synthetic tennis court, along with a tennis pavilion. Floodlights on five courts allow for evening play by prior booking. The facilities host various local, national, and international events, showcasing the club’s commitment to promoting tennis. An experienced trainer is available for coaching, contributing to the development of new players.

Badminton

With three state-of-the-art badminton courts inaugurated in 2013, Islamabad Club provides an excellent facility for racquet sport enthusiasts. The club offers qualified and experienced coaches, making it an ideal place for badminton tournaments and training sessions.

Squash

The squash facilities at Islamabad Club include five well-maintained all-weather courts. The squash complex provides a calm and quiet lounge, and regular tournaments are open to all members. Experienced coaches contribute to the development of squash enthusiasts within the club.

Billiards

The club features three well-maintained and fully equipped tables in a spacious, well-lit, and air-conditioned environment. Billiards and snooker enthusiasts can enjoy a game while a television is provided for relaxation between matches. Training facilities are also available.

Table Tennis

Two professional-standard tables with wooden flooring and adequate lighting offer members a chance to enjoy the game of table tennis. Moreover, the club emphasises the health benefits of table tennis, promoting cardiovascular fitness, core strength, coordination, and social and behavioural improvement, especially for children.

Dining and Leisure Facilities

Not only does the Islamabad Club offer premier sporting faculty, it promises a dining experience that can outdo even the best of Kohsar Market Restaurants.  With a variety of dining halls and cafes this place has become the hub for socialising and relaxation.

Family Hall

The family hall at Islamabad Club is quintessence of elegance, overlooking a lush green pasture. This perfect eatery provides members with a serene environment to enjoy lunch, dinner, or even dinner buffets on Saturdays.

Furthermore, the place assures comfortable indoor seating for 200 guests and an outdoor terrace with a capacity for 66 guests. With piped-in background music, this dining space creates a harmonious atmosphere for members to relish delightful culinary creations. 

Darbar Hall

Similar to many top restaurants in Pakistan, the Darbar Hall commits to offering the best formal dining experience. Serving Pakistani, Arabic, Continental, and Chinese cuisine, this dining room seats up to 200 members.

With a dress code for lunch and dinner, the Darbar Hall ensures a refined atmosphere. Fortunately, this hall allows reservations for both lunch and dinner. This offers members an opportunity to enjoy an elaborate buffet during lunchtime and an à la carte menu for dinner. 

Club Cafe

The Islamabad Club Cafe is one of the best cafes in Islamabad. Complete with a picturesque view of the open pool and lush green golf course, the cafe is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The establishment offers a comfortable environment along with an extensive menu featuring a wide selection of sandwiches, Panini, pizzas, salads, and soups.

With both indoor seating for 60 guests and an outdoor deck accommodating 48 guests, the Club Cafe caters to those seeking a relaxed atmosphere to unwind or grab a quick bite. The dress code is casual, and the cafe follows a take-away policy allowing a maximum of five orders with at least one hour advance notice.

Pastry Shop

The Club Patisserie caters to a large audience, renowned for being one of the most popular outlets. With live cooking in the background, this pastry shop offers a tempting menu, including a wide range of cakes, bread, desserts, and other bakery items. Members frequently stop by on their way to and from the sports facilities to indulge in delightful treats.

Pan-Asian

Located on the first floor of the Riding Club House, the Pan-Asian dining facility offers an exclusive à la carte menu. With an ambiance enhanced by rustic interiors, this dining space provides breathtaking views of the riding area, paddocks, and the Murree hills. 

Divided into formal (dining), semi-formal (lounge), and casual (verandah) areas, the Pan-Asian allows members to choose their preferred setting. The menu encompasses Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian cuisine, creating a diverse culinary experience. Members seeking more information can contact the provided numbers.

Patio

Overlooking the patio with a backdrop of vibrant green pasture, the Family Hall serves as an ideal eatery for lunch, dinner, and Saturday dinner buffets. This outdoor dining area provides members with a refreshing atmosphere to savour an assortment of scrumptious dishes.

Jharoka

The Jharoka Coffee Shop, located beside the main lobby, offers an exclusive à la carte menu and remains open throughout the day. Hosting seasonal food festivals, this coffee shop serves Pakistani, Continental cuisine, and snacks. With a seating capacity for 50 members, the Jharoka has a dress code, and table reservations can be made for lunch and dinner. A daily ‘Chef’s Special’ adds variety to the menu.

Golf Club Terrace

The Golf Club Terrace at Islamabad Club provides a charming space for members to enjoy breakfast and snacks. With a menu carefully curated for a satisfying dining experience, the terrace offers picturesque views of the dense lawns and the golf course.

Spa

The Club Spa adds a touch of luxury and relaxation to the member experience. The timeless yet contemporary spa facility offers a range of treatments and therapies designed to enhance overall well-being and serenity. 

From massages provided by professional masseuses and masseurs to dermatological and sensual detoxification in the steam room, sauna, or snail shower, the spa ensures a rejuvenating experience.

Cinema

Last but not least, the Islamabad Club offers a premium cinema, promising 3D provisions that enable members to enjoy the latest movies. With luxurious seating and irresistible snacks, members can indulge in high-quality movie screenings.

The cinema, previously used solely as the club auditorium, has been renovated to serve as;

• Dual purposes
• Accommodating personal events
• Plays
• Seminars
• Launching ceremonies
• Musical

With a seating capacity of 264 persons, it provides an intimate setting for entertainment.

Reservation Facilities at Islamabad Club

Besides being a hub of sports and recreation, this establishment excels in providing top-notch reservation facilities to its esteemed members. 

Meeting Rooms

For corporate-style board meetings and conferences, Islamabad Club offers two well-appointed meeting rooms. Here are some accommodation insights:

• Conference Room 1: 16-18 persons
• Conference Room 2: 12 persons

These meeting rooms are equipped with modern amenities, entailing;

• LCD-based projector with wired and wireless connectivity
• Remote control slide show feature
• Adjustable screens
• High-speed internet connectivity
• PA system
• Video conferencing capabilities. 

Whether it’s a crucial business meeting or a strategic presentation, the meeting rooms here can provide a conducive environment for productive discussions.

Auditorium

The multipurpose centrally air-conditioned auditorium at Islamabad Club boasts 264 seats. Further, it is equipped with a projection system, sound system, and a cinema screen. This versatile space can be booked by members for a variety of events, including;

• Musical Shows
• Plays
• Private movie screenings
• Seminars
• Launching ceremonies

The auditorium provides a platform for both entertainment and informative events, contributing to the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of the club.

Banquet Hall

The Banquet Hall at Islamabad Club, with its square shape format with a seating arrangement for 50-55 persons.It is an ideal venue for conferences, meetings, shows, private dinners, lunches, and social gatherings. 

This facility is meticulously designed to accommodate various types of events, providing members with a sophisticated and flexible space for their gatherings. However, it’s essential to note that wedding-related functions are not allowed in the Banquet Hall.

Multipurpose Hall

Adjacent to the Club’s Auditorium, the Multipurpose Hall is a spacious set-up designed to cater to large functions. The hall has the capacity to accommodate 160 to 180 persons in a sit-down arrangement and up to 300 people in a standing buffet setup. 

Serving as an excellent venue for meetings, shows, dinners, social gatherings, and conferences, this space is versatile and well-equipped. Members hosting events in this hall enjoy equipment like; 

• Multimedia
• Screens
• Overhead projectors
• Delegate mikes
• Audio-visual equipment

Business Centre

For members requiring a dedicated space for business-related activities, Islamabad Club features a Business Centre. This facility is designed to meet the professional needs of members and offers services such as;

• High-speed internet connectivity
• Printing
• Copying
• (and other essential office amenities)

 The Business Centre serves as a hub for members to conduct work-related tasks efficiently within the club premises.

Guest Rooms

Islamabad Club offers a variety of guest rooms, including single/double rooms, suites, and deluxe suites. These comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms provide picturesque views of the lush green lawns and the golf course. Equipped with modern amenities entailing

• Entertainment channels on fibre optics
• Hot & cold baths
• Internet access
• Round-the-clock room service
• In-house laundry
• Valet service
• A business centre

The guest rooms ensure that members and their guests experience a luxurious and convenient stay at the club. The booking procedure for guest rooms is carefully outlined, allowing members and their guests to enjoy the club’s hospitality within specified guidelines.

Library

For those inclined towards intellectual pursuits, the Islamabad Club contains one of the best libraries in Islamabad. This library includes:

• Over seven thousand books on various subjects
• More than four hundred DVDs of classical
• Academy award-winning movies
• Numerous national and international periodicals
• Magazines
• Newspapers

A computerised bibliographic database further enhances the accessibility of the library’s resources, contributing to the academic and recreational pursuits of the members. The library provides a serene environment for reading and research. Furthermore, the library uses the Dewey decimal classification system for efficient organisation. 

Membership and Administration at Islamabad Club

Membership at Islamabad Club is not just a privilege; it’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in a world of luxury, sports, and cultural sophistication. With careful conditions to ensure the integrity of the club, combined with an efficient administration team, it stands as a paragon of excellence. 

Membership at Islamabad Club: Rules and Conditions

The membership at Islamabad Club is governed by a set of rules and conditions, reflecting the club’s commitment to maintaining high standards and exclusivity. Here are some key points:

Number of Members

•  The membership of Islamabad Club shall not exceed Ten Thousand (10,000) at any given time.
• The Federal Government may make amendments if required.

Membership Categories

•  Honorary Membership (President & Prime Minister of Pakistan)
•  Parliamentarian Membership
•  Service Membership
•  Diplomat Membership
•  Corporate (Entity) Membership
•  Private/Non-Service Membership
•  Other categories specified by the Administrator

Eligibility for Membership

• Residents of Rawalpindi/Islamabad or those posted in Islamabad, not less than eighteen years of age, are eligible.
• Each class has detailed eligibility criteria.
• General eligibility does not entitle automatic membership; the grant is per the specified procedure.

Playing/Usage Rights

•  Riding Playing Rights
•  Polo Playing Rights

Membership Approval

• The Administrator may fix the total number of members to be inducted in a calendar/financial year.
• Conditions for relaxation in any class may be specified but are exceptions.

Membership Prerogative

•   Membership is the sole prerogative of Islamabad Club.
•   Amendments can be made if required by the Federal Government.

Core Team: The Backbone of Administration

Behind the scenes, a dedicated core team ensures the smooth administration and day-to-day operations of Islamabad Club. Let’s meet the individuals who form the backbone of this prestigious establishment:

Conclusion

Islamabad Club stands as an example of sophistication, offering an unparalleled blend of sports facilities, leisure options, and exclusive amenities. With a rich history, diverse sports offerings, and a commitment to excellence, the club continues to be a prestigious institution. Whether members seek athletic pursuits, social interactions, or relaxation, the Club provides a haven where luxury and recreation intertwine seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Question

Here are some frequently asked questions 

Who is eligible for Islamabad Club membership?

• Any gentleman/lady, resident of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, or posted in Islamabad, of not less than eighteen years of age is eligible for membership.
• A candidate desiring to become a member of Islamabad Club must fulfil detailed eligibility criteria specified in the membership regulations.

Does Islamabad have clubs?

Yes, Islamabad has clubs, and one prominent club is the Islamabad Club, which offers various recreational and sports facilities.

What is the location for Islamabad Club?

Islamabad Club، Main Murree Road، Near Kashmir Chowk, Islamabad Club, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory

When was Islamabad Club made?

The information provided doesn’t specify the exact year of establishment for Islamabad Club. For accurate details, it’s recommended to refer to official club records or contact the club administration.

What is the Islamabad Club contact number?

There are different contact numbers for each facility and service in Islamabad Club. If you’re looking for a number for a particular service, visit their website, islamabadclub.org.pk. 

Learn about the great Khanna Pul Rawalpindi that connects the twin cities on Graana Blog.