In a landmark step to deepen bilateral tourism and promote people-to-people connectivity, senior tourism officials from Pakistan and Uzbekistan gathered today at the Head Office of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in Islamabad for a high-level meeting dedicated to strengthening mutual tourism and cultural exchange.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Mr. Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, H.E. Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Mr. Aftab Rana, Managing Director of PTDC, and prominent tourism industry stakeholders from both countries’ public and private tourism sectors.
Welcoming the Uzbek delegation, PTDC’s Managing Director Aftab Rana highlighted the shared Silk Road legacy between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, underscoring the longstanding historical, spiritual, and cultural ties between the two nations. “Tourism is not just an exchange of money; it is an exchange of stories, experiences, and friendships,” said Aftab Rana. “By traveling to each other’s countries, we become ambassadors of goodwill and build a future of peace, collaboration, and prosperity.”
He elaborated on Pakistan’s immense tourism assets—from the majestic peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan and the scenic valleys of Chitral and Swat to the rich archaeological wonders of Mohenjo-Daro and Lahore’s Shahi Fort. He also stressed the importance of improving air connectivity, visa facilitation, collaborative marketing, and capacity building to unlock the full potential of tourism cooperation.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, expressed appreciation for the hospitality and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s strategic intent to advance tourism relations with Pakistan. “Uzbekistan sees Pakistan not only as a neighbor, but as a true friend. We are committed to creating a tourism bridge that connects our peoples, cultures, and economies,” he said.
Mr. Umid Shadiev endorsed the proposals put forward by PTDC’s Managing Director, particularly regarding enhanced flight operations between Tashkent and Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, streamlining visa processes, and targeted tourism promotions. He also shared that Uzbekistan has taken key structural steps to support this vision, including the establishment of a dedicated Tourism Committee under the Uzbek Government and the creation of the UN Tourism Academy in Samarkand, a world-class institution aimed at regional tourism education and training.
Another significant development discussed was the updating of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in 2021, to reflect new goals, align policy frameworks, and foster deeper institutional cooperation.
The two sides agreed on the following key initiatives to boost bilateral tourism:
• Launching joint cultural festivals and heritage tourism packages
• Promoting youth, media, and professional exchange programs
• Enhancing direct flight connectivity and simplifying visa regimes to promote group tours
• Increasing awareness of tourism destinations through joint digital and media campaigns
• Strengthening B2B collaborations between travel agencies and tour operators
• Supporting capacity building and workforce training through institutions like the UN Tourism Academy at Samarkand and COTHM in Pakistan
The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to make tourism a cornerstone of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations—paving the way for economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and lasting friendship.
