Islamabad, April 12, 2025 — In a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral tourism and fostering people-to-people connectivity, senior tourism officials from Pakistan and Uzbekistan convened today at the Head Office of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) in Islamabad for a high-level strategic meeting.

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 key stakeholders from both public and private tourism sectors of the two countries. Welcoming the Uzbek delegation, PTDC Managing Director Mr. Aftab Rana highlighted the shared Silk Road legacy and the deep-rooted historical, spiritual, and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

“Tourism is not just an exchange of money; it is an exchange of stories, experiences, and friendships,” Mr. Rana said. “By traveling to each other’s countries, we become ambassadors of goodwill and build a future of peace, collaboration, and prosperity.”

He showcased Pakistan’s vast tourism potential—from the majestic peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan and scenic valleys of Chitral and Swat to the rich archaeological wonders of Mohenjo-Daro and Lahore’s Shahi Fort. He emphasized the importance of enhanced air connectivity, simplified visa processes, collaborative marketing, and capacity building to unlock tourism growth.H.E. Mr. Umid Shadiev expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to deepening tourism cooperation with Pakistan.

“Uzbekistan sees Pakistan not only as a neighbor, but as a true friend,” he remarked. “We are committed to creating a tourism bridge that connects our peoples, cultures, and economies.”

He endorsed Pakistan’s proposals, particularly regarding increased flight connectivity between Tashkent and major Pakistani cities, improved visa regimes, and targeted promotional campaigns. Mr. Shadiev also highlighted key initiatives by Uzbekistan, including the formation of a dedicated Tourism Committee under the government and the establishment of the UN Tourism Academy in Samarkand, a world-class institution for tourism education and training.

A significant agenda item was the updating of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2021, aimed at aligning policy frameworks and advancing institutional cooperation.

Key initiatives agreed upon during the meeting include:

• Launching joint cultural festivals and heritage tourism packages

• Promoting youth, media, and professional exchange programs

• Enhancing direct flight operations and simplifying visa processes for group tourism

• Running joint digital and media campaigns to raise awareness of tourism destinations

• Strengthening B2B linkages between travel agencies and tour operators

• Supporting workforce development through training at institutions like the UN Tourism Academy in Samarkand and COTHM in Pakistan

The meeting concluded with a shared vision to make tourism a cornerstone of Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations—paving the way for stronger economic ties, cultural diplomacy, and enduring friendship.