The National Language Promotion Department, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, organized a one-day international book launching ceremony in Islamabad, attended by a large number of scholars, literary figures and cultural personalities.
The event featured the launch of two important publications, including a Dictionary of Common Urdu-Uzbek Words and Twentieth Century Short Stories.
Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtayev said that Pakistan and Uzbekistan are bound together through centuries-old religious, cultural and civilizational ties. He emphasized that such literary and cultural programs play a vital role in further promoting love, brotherhood and academic relations between the peoples of the two countries.
The ambassador noted that the dictionary of common Urdu and Uzbek words would further strengthen intellectual links between the two nations and help the younger generation better understand each other’s language, culture and history. He congratulated the authors and the National Language Promotion Department for this valuable scholarly contribution.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that both authors had played a constructive and positive role in strengthening Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations through their academic and literary efforts. He expressed hope that such intellectual and cultural activities would continue in the future. The minister also proposed making the Uzbek dictionary available online for greater public access and convenience.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Talha Mahmood said that nations which forget their history disappear from the pages of history. He stressed the importance of preserving and highlighting Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage and congratulated Dr. Tash Mirza and Professor Mohiya Abdulrahmanova on their scholarly achievements.
Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gilani remarked that the ceremony was not merely a book launch but a practical manifestation of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He highlighted that the relationship between the two countries is rooted in historical, academic and cultural foundations. He further stated that the Urdu language incorporates words from many world languages, reflecting its richness and diversity.
Director General of the National Language Promotion Department Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said that poets and writers have historically played the most important role in bringing nations closer together. He described the intellectual and literary work of the authors as long-lasting contributions that shape the destiny of nations. He praised Dr. Tash Mirza Khalmirzaev and Professor Mohiya Abdulrahmanova for successfully completing the demanding scholarly project with dedication and hard work.
Executive Director PRCCF Khalid Taimur Akram stated that Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations date back to the era of Zahiruddin Babar and Amir Timur. He noted that Multani art reached the subcontinent from Samarkand and Bukhara and informed the audience that a Babar Park is being constructed in Islamabad with Uzbekistan’s cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Adil Mirza thanked the participants on behalf of his father Dr. Tash Mirza Khalmirzaev and highlighted the launch of direct flight services from Lahore to Tashkent, which have enhanced people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Professor Mohiya Abdulrahmanova expressed her happiness over the launch of the two books during the blessed month of Eid-ul-Adha. She thanked the Uzbek ambassador for attending the ceremony and remarked that compiling a dictionary is an extremely demanding task, comparable to “digging a well with a needle.” She congratulated Dr. Tash Mirza on the successful completion of the dictionary project.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, books were presented to the distinguished guests.
