ISLAMABAD – The federal government has approved a decision to rename a major new highway in the capital city after brotherly neighbouring country, Iran.

The development comes ahead of the official visit of the Iranian President Seyyed Ibrahim Raisi. He is set to arrive in Pakistan today on a three-day official visit (April 22-24), becoming the first head of a foreign country to visit Islamabad since the formation of the new government.

Reports said the federal cabinet has approved a summary sent by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to rename the Eleventh Avenue as Iran Avenue.

Under the phase I, the new highway has been constructed from Sector D-12 to E-11 North-East corner. It will be connected to IJ Principal Road in second phase.

President Raisi’s Visit to Pakistan

The Foreign Office (FO) said on Sunday that Iranian President Dr Ebrahim Raisi would undertake an official visit to Pakistan from April 22 to April 24.

In a statement, the FO said this would be the first visit by any head of state to Pakistan after the February 8 general elections.

“The Iranian president will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials as well as a large business delegation,” the FO said.

It said that Raisi would meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

“He will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet with the provincial leadership,” it added.

“The two sides will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts,” the FO said.

“They will also discuss regional and global developments and bilateral cooperation to combat the common threat of terrorism,” it added.

“Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong bilateral ties anchored in history, culture and religion. This visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations,”