Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, in his keynote speech, underscored the historical depth and future promise of Uzbekistan as a hub where tradition meets modernity
Ansar M Bhatti
Islamabad, 1 September 2026 — Tourism and connectivity emerged as the central themes during a vibrant road show highlighting Uzbekistan’s immense potential as a destination for cultural exchange, investment, and regional integration. The event, held in Islamabad brought together key stakeholders from both countries to explore new routes, better packages, and stronger business-to-business (B2B) and people-to-people (P2P) links.
Sardar Yasir, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Tourism, 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.
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, in his keynote speech, 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.
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.
Adil Mirza of Centrum Air Uzbekistan, also spoke. He highlighted the role of aviation in enhancing connectivity and underscored the importance of direct routes between Pakistan and Uzbekistan to facilitate tourism and trade. Karimov stressed that better travel packages and simplified processes would encourage more visitors to explore Uzbekistan’s cultural and economic offerings.
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.
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.
