ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Indonesia are set to breathe new life into their decades-old sister-city agreement, as authorities from both capitals prepare to roll out initiatives aimed at fostering deeper cultural, historical, and diplomatic ties. The agreement, originally signed in 1984, had remained largely dormant for years, but the federal government has now instructed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to fully revive and implement its provisions.
Under the renewed plan, Islamabad and Jakarta will celebrate their friendship through symbolic and permanent gestures. These include naming prominent roads after leaders and cultural icons from each other’s nations, as well as installing monuments that will stand as visible testaments to their mutual respect. The idea is to make the relationship not just a matter of paperwork but a tangible part of the urban landscape.
Islamabad already carries the legacy of honouring international allies through such symbolic gestures. Streets like Iran Avenue, dedicated during the visit of Iran’s then-president, and the Turkish-named interchange in F-8 commemorating President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, are prime examples. The capital also celebrates historical leaders like King Faisal, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Zhou Enlai, and Gamal Abdel Nasser through road names, while its green spaces include Argentina Park, Ankara Park, and the Japanese Park—each reflecting a chapter of friendship in Pakistan’s diplomatic history.
According to CDA officials, work is already underway to draft comprehensive proposals aligned with the original MoU. “We are finalising the plan and will submit it soon,” a senior CDA representative confirmed. Once approved, the initiatives are expected to enhance bilateral goodwill, promote people-to-people connections, and give both capitals a shared narrative rooted in mutual appreciation.
The revival of the Islamabad–Jakarta sister-city relationship is more than a ceremonial formality—it represents a renewed commitment to cross-cultural diplomacy, urban collaboration, and lasting friendship between Pakistan and Indonesia.
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