Pakistan’s government has decided to rename Islamabad’s 11th Avenue as ‘Iran Avenue’ as a symbol of friendship and good neighborliness between the two countries.
The decision came ahead of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s official visit to Pakistan from April 22 to 24, 2024, marking it the first visit of any head-of-state since the February general elections.
The official renaming ceremony will be held in the presence of President Raisi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following their official meeting in Islamabad on Monday afternoon.
The decision to rename the highway as Iran Avenue was ratified by the cabinet following a proposal by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) circulated among its members.
The 11th Avenue extends from Sector D-12 to the northeast corner of E-11, with an interchange at Khayaban Iqbal. The next phase will see its extension to IJ Principal Road.
Streets and highways often serve as symbolic bridges between nations, reflecting the depth of cultural ties and mutual respect.
The Islamic Republic of Iran also has roads and highways in Tehran named after prominent Pakistani figures, including Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal Lahori.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi began his three-day state visit to Islamabad on April 22, accompanied by his wife and a high-profile delegation comprising the foreign minister, cabinet members, senior officials, and a substantial business group.
During his visit, Raisi is scheduled to hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Furthermore, he will extend his engagements to Lahore and Karachi, engaging with provincial leaders.
