ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 (WNP): Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev on Tuesday said growing cultural and tourism exchanges between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are reviving centuries-old connections between the two brotherly nations, once linked by the historic Silk Road.

Speaking at the Uzbekistan Tourism and Cultural Show “Uzbekistan: the Pearl of the Silk Road” in Islamabad, the envoy said both countries share a common heritage rooted in history, religion, and culture. He stressed that tourism is not only about exploring beautiful places but also about “building trust, friendship, and partnerships.”

Highlighting Uzbekistan’s rich tourism potential, Tukhtaev pointed to world-famous ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Termez, and Kokand – all recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These centers of Islamic scholarship and spirituality, he said, continue to inspire visitors with their cultural and architectural magnificence.

The ambassador extended a warm invitation to Pakistanis, especially those interested in ziyarat tourism, to visit Uzbekistan’s sacred sites and mausoleums of great Islamic scholars and Sufi saints including Imam al-Bukhari and Bahouddin Naqshband.

On connectivity, he announced that Uzbekistan Airways is currently operating two weekly flights from Tashkent to Lahore and one to Islamabad, with plans underway to expand direct flights to other major Pakistani cities. These routes, he said, would serve as “true bridges of friendship, trade, and cooperation.”

Underscoring the mutual value of tourism, Tukhtaev praised Pakistan’s own cultural and natural treasures – from the Mughal heritage of Lahore to the northern valleys – and said both countries stand to benefit economically and socially by promoting tourism in both directions.

He also invited Pakistani tour operators, investors, and business leaders to collaborate with Uzbekistan in developing joint travel packages, hospitality projects, and cultural initiatives. “Together, we can make Central and South Asia one of the most interconnected and attractive tourism regions in the world,” he said.

Tukhtaev emphasized that Uzbekistan is modernizing its tourism sector through restoration projects, infrastructure development, and promotion of eco-tourism, medical tourism, and adventure travel. He expressed confidence that with strong political will, direct air connections, and people-to-people exchanges, Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations will grow “stronger, deeper, and brighter.”

“Uzbekistan-Pakistan dosti zindabad!” he concluded, receiving applause from the audience.

The event, attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Managing Director Aftab ur Rehman Rana, brought together diplomats, officials, and business leaders.

The event featured Uzbek cuisine, music, and cultural displays, offering guests a firsthand experience of the country’s heritage.