Tourism cornerstone of our strategic partnership, Amb Alisher

Islamabad (GNP):  Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Tourism can become the main pillar of our strategic partnership.

A memorable evening celebrating tourism, friendship and growing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, the Road Show “Uzbekistan – Where History Meets the Future” and the Uzbekistan Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 were successfully in Islamabad.

The event was honoured by the presence of Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor & National Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Tourism, and Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC, along with distinguished representatives of the travel industry, airlines, tourism professionals and other guests.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, in his keynote addres The journey from one country to another is also a journey through our shared history, common cultural roots, and the connections between our peoples.

For centuries, the lands of present-day Uzbekistan and Pakistan were connected through the Silk Road, through trade, scholarship, religion, art, and culture. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva were connected with Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, and other great cities of the region as part of one wider civilizational space.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan underscored the historical depth and future promise of Uzbekistan as a hub where tradition meets modernity. He emphasized that new technologies, fresh opportunities, and innovative avenues are reshaping Uzbekistan’s tourism landscape, making it a magnet for travelers and investors alike.

“Tourism can become the main pillar of our strategic partnership,” he remarked, noting the huge number of Pakistani delegations that have already visited Uzbekistan and the potential to further increase this figure.

Perhaps the most powerful symbol of this historic connection is *Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur*, born in Andijan and later the founder of the Mughal Empire in the subcontinent. His legacy belongs to Uzbekistan, but at the same time, he occupies a very special place in the history, culture, and collective memory of Pakistan.

Our common spiritual heritage is equally profound. The names of Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Al-Tirmidhi, Imam Al-Maturidi, Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, and many other great scholars associated with the lands of Uzbekistan are deeply respected in Pakistan and throughout the Muslim world. Therefore, when a Pakistani visitor travels to Uzbekistan, he or she does not simply discover a new destination. In many respects, it is a journey back to the sources of a shared civilization.

Distinguished guests, today Uzbekistan is combining this extraordinary historical heritage with a rapidly developing and increasingly modern tourism sector. Our efforts are producing tremendous results.

In 2025, Uzbekistan welcomed around *12 million foreign tourists and visitors. During the first seven months of 2026 alone, around **8 million tourists* visited the country.

Uzbekistan is developing opportunities in cultural and historical tourism, religious tourism, astronomical tourism, ecological and mountain tourism, winter tourism, educational tourism, and medical tourism.

I would particularly like to highlight the opportunities Uzbekistan offers to the Pakistani business community. Infrastructure is being modernized not only in Tashkent and Samarkand, but throughout the country.

Tashkent offers modern hotels, conference and congress facilities, and an excellent environment for international conferences, exhibitions, corporate meetings, and business events.

Samarkand, with the *Silk Road Samarkand* complex, has emerged as one of Central Asia’s leading international MICE destinations, combining modern hotels and conference facilities with cultural attractions and a unique historical atmosphere.

But the opportunities do not end there. Bukhara offers a unique combination of a historic environment and modern facilities for conferences and corporate events.

In Khiva and the Khorezm region, new tourism infrastructure is being developed alongside the extraordinary heritage of *Ichan-Kala*.

The *Aral Sea region* represents another attractive example of how business events can be combined with culture, history, and an unforgettable travel experience.

Imagine holding a conference in Tashkent, followed by a cultural program in Samarkand; organizing an incentive tour through Bukhara and Khiva; or combining a business event in the Khorezm region with an exclusive cultural experience.

This is where business, culture, and leisure meet. This is precisely where Uzbekistan offers something truly distinctive.

Another important development is the modernization of domestic transportation. Uzbekistan is already operating high-speed trains. These modern transport links are making travel between Uzbekistan’s major cities faster, more comfortable, and more convenient for international visitors.

During the evening, I had the privilege of delivering a presentation on the tourism potential of Uzbekistan, showcasing our magnificent historical cities, rich cultural heritage, hospitality and the exciting opportunities Uzbekistan offers to Pakistani travellers. Centrum Air/Gerry’s International also presented its services and connectivity, further highlighting the growing tourism links between our two countries.

Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab ur Rehman Rana, also addressed the gathering. He assured that PTDC would extend full support to promote tourism ties between the two countries, highlighting the importance of structured packages and facilitation measures to attract more visitors. Rana stressed that Pakistan sees Uzbekistan not only as a tourism partner but also as a gateway to Central Asia’s broader connectivity ambitions.

Sardar Yasir, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, What is amazing is that, in such a short period, you have created new avenues of cooperation between the two countries. I commend you and your entire team for these wonderful efforts. The direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan are a major achievement. The credit goes to you, and I believe they were much needed.

Sardar Yasir, emphasized the need to simplify visa regimes to make travel easier and more accessible. He noted that the Government of Pakistan is keen to take concrete steps to remove barriers and encourage greater tourism flows, thereby strengthening cultural and economic bonds.

To my brothers and sisters here today, this is a matter of great pride. Pakistan has been open to the world for years, but today Pakistan is becoming more visible—and that is the difference.

I have said this time and again: Pakistan is one of the world’s largest consumer markets, with significant purchasing power. For too long, however, Pakistan has been perceived as a poor country. Today, the world is beginning to recognize Pakistan’s potential and strength.

We are seeing signs of this changing perception through growing international interest, investments, tourism, and new partnerships.

There is also a strategic shift in global travel preferences. With rising temperatures in many parts of Europe and other regions, people are increasingly looking toward cooler destinations.

Naturally, Pakistan and Central Asia can benefit from this shift. Our people are drawn to destinations that share our history, culture, values, traditions, and religion.

A special highlight of the evening was the Uzbekistan Tourism Excellence Awards 2026, recognising travel companies, airlines and tourism partners for their valuable contribution and continued efforts in promoting Uzbekistan in Pakistan.

The evening concluded with a cultural performance and dinner, celebrating the warmth, friendship and cultural bonds shared by the people of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

I extend my sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, PTDC, our airline and travel partners, and all our distinguished guests for making this event a success.

Together, we will continue working to bring Uzbekistan and Pakistan even closer through tourism, culture and people-to-people connections.

The road show highlighted the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Railway as a transformative project that could redefine regional connectivity. By linking Central Asia to Pakistan’s seaports, the railway promises to open new corridors for trade, tourism, and investment, turning geographical proximity into tangible prosperity.

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The event also celebrated the contributions of the private sector. Travel agents and tour operators were recognized with awards for their role in promoting tourism between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.