Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange near the F-8 and F-9 sectors, praising its rapid completion in just 84 days.
During the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad’s administration, and contractors for finishing the project ahead of schedule and at a lower cost than initially estimated.
Originally planned for completion in six months, the project was finalized at Rs 3,655 million, saving funds from the initial budget of Rs 4,000 million.
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PM Shehbaz stated that the new interchange will ease traffic congestion, providing smoother travel for residents of the capital.
He pointed out that the project will improve connectivity to key roads, including Sector G-8, G-9, Kashmir Highway, and Centaurus Mall, benefiting approximately 70,000 vehicles daily.
Additionally, the PM announced a collaborative effort with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to enhance Islamabad’s beauty and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Named in honor of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the interchange was inaugurated following Erdogan’s recent visit to Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz said he would share the ceremony details with the Turkish leader as a gesture of gratitude for his close ties with Pakistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in his speech, emphasized that the team completed the project in a very short period under the direction and leadership of the Prime Minister.
He also announced that authorities will launch a large-scale plantation drive next month to combat air pollution and smog in the capital.
The project includes a 1.3-kilometer-long underpass, completed in 42 days, along with a 1.1-kilometer flyover. Officials expect the interchange to significantly ease traffic at F-8 Chowk, where around 41,000 vehicles previously passed daily
Last week, Pakistan and Turkiye strengthened their ties by signing 24 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a joint declaration at the Prime Minister’s House to extend and institutionalize the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Both nations also committed to boosting economic relations, setting a goal to increase mutual trade to $5 billion.
The agreements cover various sectors, including defense, energy, mining, trade, education, banking, health, law, media, aerospace, halal food, culture, and business.
