Pakistan renames Islamabad's 11th Avenue road as 'Iran Avenue'

The federal cabinet on Monday decided to rename the 11th Avenue road in Islamabad as 'Iran Avenue' in order to show solidarity with the brotherly country.

The decision came during the visit of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan to further strengthen Islamabad-Tehran relations.

The notification in this regard was issued by the Cabinet division on Sunday (April 21).

"The cabinet considered the summary dated 20th April, 2024 submitted by the Interior division, which was circulated in terms of rule 17(1)(b) read with rule 19(1) of the Rules of Business, 1973 for 'Naming of Road 11th Avenue in Islamabad as Iran Avenue' and approved the proposal at para 5 read with para 7 of the summary," the notification read.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian President reached Islamabad on a three-day official visit to Pakistan.

President Raisi was accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, seniour officials and a large business delegation.

When he arrived at the PM House, Raisi was given a guard of honour by smartly-turned out personnel of the armed forces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the Iranian President upon his arrival at the PM House.

Afterwards, the national anthems of both countries were played and the country heads shook hands with other dignitaries.

The Iranian President also planted a sapling in the Prime Minister's House garden on the occasion of Earth Day.

Raisi will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq during his visit.

He will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet with the provincial Chief Ministers and Governors.

A public holiday was announced in the port city on April 23 due to the arrival of foreign dignitaries.

This is the first visit by any head of state to Pakistan after the February 8 general elections.