The National Highway Authority (NHA) has proposed renaming Islamabad’s well-known T-Chowk — located at the intersection of G.T. Road and Islamabad Expressway — to Potohar Chowk, emphasizing that the current name lacks geographical relevance and that the area symbolizes the core of the Potohar region.
In a letter sent to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the NHA explained that it recently completed an extensive upgrade of G.T. Road (N-5) from T-Chowk to Lalazar and officially designated it as Potohar Avenue. The authority stated that the renaming initiative would create consistency with the newly upgraded road, enhance the region’s identity, and simplify navigation for commuters traveling between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The letter further recommended that the change would improve public reference points and foster regional pride. “It is therefore strongly recommended that, for the ease of commuters, easy reference, and to enhance the area’s identity, ‘T-Chowk’ be renamed as ‘Potohar Chowk,’” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the CDA is currently overseeing a Rs. 1.4 billion flyover project at the same intersection to alleviate chronic traffic congestion. Senior CDA officials confirmed that the authority has received NHA’s proposal but clarified that no final decision has been made yet. “We will take up the matter with the interior ministry and the federal government. Once the flyover is complete, we will consider renaming the intersection,” one official said, noting that while the name “T-Chowk” is likely to be replaced, the final approval and selection of the new title will rest with federal authorities.
The potential renaming reflects a broader effort to modernize infrastructure and create a cohesive identity across the Potohar region, aligning new development projects with local geography and heritage.
