PM Shehbaz announces naming Islamabad road after Arshad Nadeem

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the road between F9 and F10 in Islamabad will be named after Arshad Nadeem, a national hero who won a gold medal for Pakistan at the Paris Olympics 2024.

A day earlier, the premier hosted a dinner reception for the 27-year-old athlete and his family members.

"Arshad Nadeem is the hero of today's gathering and the 25 crore people of Pakistan. Today is a moment of great pride and joy," Mr Shehbaz said while addressing the reception at the PM House.

PM Shehbaz noted that the sportsman has doubled the joy of Independence Day, which is being celebrated across the country today (Wednesday).

"His victory has given a new impetus to the entire Pakistani nation," he added.

The Prime Minister also announced a reward of Rs150 million for Arshad Nadeem, which will not be tax deductible. 

He also announced the construction of "Arshad Nadeem High-Performance Academy" at Jinnah Stadium in the federal capital and an endowment fund of Rs1 billion for sportsmen in the country.

"I thank the Prime Minister, the whole of Pakistan has welcomed me more than my hard work. The honour given to a player is most important [to motivate him/her]," Arshad expressed his gratitude.

Arshad made the country proud on August 8 when he threw a javelin at the record-breaking spot of 92.97 metres at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The throw made him able to end Pakistan's 40-year wait for an individual gold medal at the Summer Games.

Following the achievement, Arshad was showered with announcements of cash prizes and rewards from politicians and celebrities.

President Asif Ali Zardari also announced to honour the national star with Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian award, for his outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.

A special postage stamp was also launched on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay tribute to the athlete.