Pakistan renames Islamabad's new highway 'Iran Avenue' as Raisi commences his 3-day visit

Ahead of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, Islamabad decided to name one of its new highways after the “brotherly nation”. On Monday, the Iranian President landed in Pakistan to kickstart his 3-day visit to the cash-strapped nation.

According to Pakistani news outlet Geo News, the country decided to name the new highway Iran Avenue. It is pertinent to note that this is the first visit of any head-of-state to Pakistan since the highly intense February 8 general elections.

As per the sources, a day before Raisi touched down, the federal government decided to change the name of the Eleventh Avenue to Iran Avenue.

The cabinet went on to accord the decision on the Capital Development Authority (CDA) through a summary circulation. The construction of the Eleventh Avenue was started by the CDA.

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According to Geo News, in the first phase, the highway was extended from Sector D-12 to E-11 North-East corner of Islamabad. From here, an interchange has also been constructed in the Khayaban Iqbal area.

In phase 2, the authorities are planning to connect the highway to IJ Principal Road.

Pakistan rolls out a red carpet for Raisi

Upon his arrival at the Islamabad airport, Raisi was received by Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu.

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Amid the ongoing turbulence in West Asia, Raisi’s visit to Pakistan will be closely monitored by the United States as well. While the world is concerned about the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions, Pakistani officials made it clear that the visit has no relation to the ongoing hostility.

As per the reports, Raisi is expected to hold talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.

He is also scheduled to visit Lahore and Karachi to hold talks with the provincial leadership.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the two sides are planning to hold discussions on a wide-ranging agenda aimed at strengthening ties between Iran and Pakistan.

The leaders are also expected to discuss bilateral cooperation to combat the common threat of terrorism. Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary.

Given the turbulent situation in Pakistan, provisional authorities will remain on high alert due to the high-profile visit. The Pakistani regime has also declared a Public holiday in Karachi on April 23.