https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Sep 3 (Diplomatic Star): Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, has said that Uzbekistan and Pakistan, as two historic nations along the ancient Silk Road, are strategically positioned to strengthen regional economic, trade, and tourism ties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Uzbekistan Tourism and Cultural Show – “Uzbekistan: The Pearl of the Silk Road”, the ambassador noted that Uzbekistan is home to world-famous ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Termez, and Kokand, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
“These cities were centres of Islamic learning, spirituality, and culture, and they continue to inspire visitors with their magnificent mosques, madrasas, and architectural wonders,” he said.
The event was also addressed by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, and Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.
Ambassador Tukhtaev invited Pakistani tour operators, investors, and business leaders to partner with Uzbekistan in developing joint travel packages, hospitality projects, and cultural events.
“Together, we can make Central and South Asia one of the most interconnected and attractive tourism regions in the world,” he said.
Highlighting air connectivity, the envoy informed that Uzbekistan Airways is operating two direct flights weekly from Tashkent to Lahore and one to Islamabad, with plans to expand connections to other major cities of Pakistan.
“These flights will serve as true bridges of friendship, trade, and cooperation,” he added.
The ambassador stressed the potential of religious and cultural tourism, pointing out that Uzbekistan is home to sacred sites of great scholars and Sufi saints such as Imam al-Bukhari and Bahouddin Naqshband.
He said tourism is not only about visiting places but also about building trust, friendship, and economic opportunity.
“Imagine thousands of Pakistani tourists walking through the streets of Samarkand or Khiva, and Uzbek travellers exploring Lahore, Karachi, or the Hunza Valley. Such exchanges will bring our peoples closer and open new avenues of cultural cooperation,” he remarked.
The envoy reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in tourism and cultural exchanges.
“With strong political will, direct air connections, and the warmth of our friendship, the future of Uzbekistan–Pakistan tourism relations will grow stronger, deeper, and brighter,” he said.
