ISLAMABAD: As a gesture of solidarity with Iran, Pakistan has decided to name a new highway in Islamabad after its brotherly neighbor.
This decision comes at the same time as Iranian President Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi’s official visit to Pakistan, which is happening from April 22 to 24. This is the first visit by a head of state since the general elections on February 8.
According to reports from private media sources, the federal government has chosen to change the name of Eleventh (11th) Avenue to Iran Avenue. This was decided through the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and approved by the cabinet.
Eleventh Avenue was built by the CDA, stretching from Sector D-12 to E-11 North-East corner, with an interchange at Khayaban Iqbal. The next phase will extend it to IJ Principal Road.
President Raisi’s visit is important diplomatically as he begins his three-day trip to Pakistan today. He’s coming with his spouse and a delegation including the foreign minister, cabinet members, senior officials, and a big group of businesspeople.
Raisi will meet with Pakistani leaders like President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. He also plans to visit Lahore and Karachi to meet with leaders from those provinces.
The visit’s agenda is wide-ranging, focusing on strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations in areas like trade, connections, energy, farming, and people-to-people bonds. Talks will also cover regional and global issues, with a focus on working together against terrorism.