Islamabad administration is planning to rechristen a main roadway in the federal capital after Dr. Ruth Pfau, a German-Pakistani surgeon who spent over 55 years treating leprosy in Pakistan.
According to a media report, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman recommended naming the road after Dr. Ruth Pfau Road. Islamabad has 120 unidentified roads, one of which will be named after Dr. Ruth Pfau.
Dr. Ruth Pfau moved from Germany in 1961 and spent 55 years fighting leprosy in Pakistan. Pfau received the Hilal-i-Pakistan, Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam, and Sitara awards.
Pfau helped construct 157 Pakistani leprosy clinics that treated 56,780 patients. Karachi’s Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College and Hospital were also named after her. In August 2017, she was buried with state honors.
Rechristening IJP Road
In June 2023, CDA decided to rename the popular IJP Road of Islamabad to Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Road.
The decision received mixed feedback from the netizens. Some commenters said that it is a good step to honor the memory of a brave soldier, while others argue that renaming a main thoroughfare will create difficulties for new commuters and local businesses in the area.
Despite public reservations, the department decided to rename the road upon its inauguration.
Excellent thought indeed. Dr Ruth was an angel for humanity. Such individuals are an inspiration for all.
What a strange occurrence in Pakistan? They now appreciate people’s work!? Otherwise it’s all politicians and cricketers!!! Shame on Pakistan!
Great 👍 DR
Dr.Ruth pfau was like a blessing for pakistan and all over the world.And she fight against the Leprosy and devoted herself for humanity.
I am proud to member of Dr.Ruth pfau team.
So sanity has prevailed even though briefly and a bit late.
However, just think twice before you do that. Some narrow-minded bigots, extremists and fundamentalists might vandalize the road on one pretext or the other, especially as was a non-Muslim and then it will be renamed yet again to commemorate someone’s bravery.
Pronouncing the road’s name will also pose a challenge to the 60% illiterate of this country.
The step is though highly appreciable.
It will a tribute to Dr Ruth.
Strange. Replacing name of any road. IJP to karnal sher khan road.
Unnamed roads should be given name
Good decision
We should look as the humanity within a person instead of his/her/their religious beliefs. Believe whatever you want but first be a human being. That was definitely Dr. Ruth Pfau, an excellent human being. Most people in Pakistan are illiterate or either educated illiterate, it will not sit right with many people seeing a road named on the Christian lady, no matter how selfless and kind she was.
Dr Ruth Pfao
Because she severed her life to Pakistanis without any personal benefit