On February 13, 2025, Pakistan officially named the F-8 and F-9 Interchange in Islamabad after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a gesture of goodwill and solidarity between the two nations. The news was unveiled during President Erdogan’s visit to Islamabad.
The ceremony, held at the Prime Minister’s House, saw President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveil the plaque marking the new name of the interchange.
The newly constructed interchange, located at the intersection of Jinnah Avenue and Agha Shahi Road, was built in record time. Its renaming is a tribute to the strong ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, both of which share deep historical connections.
The Turkish president, who has long been admired in Pakistan, received a warm welcome during his visit, with streets of Islamabad adorned with Turkish flags and posters of Erdogan.
The naming of the interchange is a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Erdogan’s visit to Pakistan follows a tradition of honoring leaders with street names in both countries; for example, a major street in Ankara has been named after Pakistan’s first Governor-General, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, since the 1970s.
President Erdogan arrived in Islamabad late Wednesday, where his motorcade was greeted by jubilant crowds and displayed flags of both countries. The visit included a ceremonial planting of a sapling dedicated to Turkish-Pakistani friendship and an aerial display by Pakistan’s Air Force in Erdogan’s honor.
He was accompanied by a high-level Turkish delegation, including First Lady Emine Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Communications Director Fahrettin Altun.