Pakistan, Uzbekistan Forge Stronger Tourism Partnership to Boost Cultural and Economic Ties

Pakistan and Uzbekistan held a high-level tourism summit in Islamabad, aimed at fostering cultural understanding and economic collaboration.

The event featured key stakeholders from both nations, including diplomats, government officials, and industry leaders. The Uzbek delegation was led by Mr. Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, alongside Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev. Pakistan was represented by senior officials from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and prominent figures from the national tourism sector.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of PTDC emphasized the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two nations, tracing back to their shared legacy along the ancient Silk Road.

“Tourism is more than a financial exchange—it is a powerful tool for building bridges of friendship and shared prosperity,” he noted. “Our cooperation will bring our people closer and unlock new opportunities for both sides.”

The summit focused on unlocking tourism potential across both countries. Highlights included Uzbekistan’s historic cities—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—and Pakistan’s scenic northern regions and ancient heritage sites like Mohenjo-Daro, Taxila, and Lahore’s Shahi Qila.

The Uzbek delegation showcased their country’s diverse travel experiences, spanning from the modern capital Tashkent to UNESCO-listed heritage cities.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Shadiev emphasized the importance of deepening people-to-people ties:

Together, we can establish a vibrant tourism corridor that will connect our cultures and economies.”

The two sides agreed on concrete steps to enhance cooperation, including:

• Launching joint cultural festivals and heritage tours
• Facilitating youth and media exchanges
• Enhancing direct flight connectivity
• Easing visa policies
• Creating joint marketing strategies
• Strengthening business-to-business ties between tour operators

The event concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to placing tourism at the center of their bilateral relationship, viewing it as a key driver of economic growth, diplomatic outreach, and regional integration.