Azerbaijan has taken the right step to support Pakistan in giving its capital, Islamabad, a facelift. In this way, Azerbaijan displayed its brotherly cooperation towards Pakistan. The Azeri government is helping execute a mega beautification project that intends to transform Islamabad into a modern, scenic city while preserving its natural and cultural charm. Azerbaijan is doing all this by using its own funds.
An official from the Azerbaijani Embassy in Islamabad described the ongoing changes as the city “entering a modern renaissance phase,” inspired by the aesthetic standards of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital.
From Baku to Islamabad: A Shared Vision
The initiative started right after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 2023 visit to Baku, where he was reportedly mesmerized by the landscaping and urban beautification in Azerbaijan. Then he wanted to bring that elegance in Islamabad, he requested to get help from Baku. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev responded warmly, by giving instructions to the relevant authorities in Baku to start all the cooperation.
Soon after, a team of Azerbaijani experts visited Islamabad, surveyed potential areas, and returned home to draft detailed plans. Today, those plans are being brought to life by Pakistani contractors under Azeri guidance.
Azerbaijan Leads Beautification Renaissance in Pakistan’s Capital
Transforming Roads, Parks, and Heritage Sites
Several important areas are undergoing significant transformation, including:
• Srinagar Highway (25.5 km from the airport to Murree Road)
• Saidpur Village – complete with modern communication and water management systems
• Melody Food Park – being redesigned similar to Nizami Street in Baku
• Greening around Jinnah Convention Centre
Citizens are already seeing the impact. “We’re thankful to Azerbaijan. The work around Melody Market has really added charm to our city,” said Mehboob Chaudhry, a local resident. Another citizen, Zakir Hussain, noted the fresh new look of Srinagar Highway and expressed optimism about the city’s future beauty.
Combining International Expertise and Local Talent
A Collaborative and Cultural Approach
What makes this effort even more remarkable is its collaborative spirit. While Azerbaijani specialists lead the designs, much of the labor and materials are local—including
- High-quality Pakistani marble
- Travertine
- Timber
The Baku Maintenance Service is looking all the execution steps, with valuable input from Pakistani professionals. Importantly, Azerbaijani teams are committed to preserving Islamabad’s local identity even as they modernize its infrastructure.
This collaboration showcases how diplomatic ties can translate into tangible improvements, turning Islamabad into a city that highlights both tradition and modern elegance—indebted to Azeri generosity and shared cultural vision.