Islamabad, February 18, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange, a major infrastructure project near F-8 and F-9 sectors, completed in a record 84 days.
During the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister lauded the swift execution of the project, crediting Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad’s administration, and contractors for completing it ahead of schedule and under budget.
The project, originally planned for completion in six months, was finished at a cost of Rs 3,655 million, significantly lower than the initial estimate of Rs 4,000 million.
PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the interchange’s role in alleviating traffic congestion and facilitating smoother commutes for Islamabad’s residents. He noted that the new infrastructure would enhance connectivity to key areas, including Sector G-8, G-9, Kashmir Highway, and Centaurus Mall, benefiting approximately 70,000 vehicles per day.
Additionally, the prime minister announced plans to beautify Islamabad in collaboration with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, with a focus on enhancing the capital’s livability.
The interchange, named after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, follows his recent visit to Pakistan. PM Shehbaz revealed that he would send details of the inauguration to President Erdogan as a gesture of appreciation for Turkiye’s strong ties with Pakistan.
In his address, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi credited the project’s rapid completion to the prime minister’s leadership. He also announced a large-scale plantation drive set to begin next month to combat air pollution and smog in the capital.
The interchange includes a 1.3-kilometre-long underpass, completed in 42 days a 1.1-kilometre flyover, built as part of the project.
The infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion at F-8 Chowk, where an estimated 41,000 vehicles passed daily before the project’s completion.
The inauguration comes amid deepening ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. Last week, both nations signed 24 agreements and MoUs during the 7th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Islamabad.
