ISLAMABAD: Under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to commence international flights to Uzbekistan. In addition, private airlines will also be engaged to accelerate trade and tourism connectivity between the two countries.
This development was announced during a meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Uzbekistan’s Minister for Tourism, Umid Shadiev. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, was also in attendance.
During the meeting, both sides underscored the significant potential for collaboration in the tourism sector. Haroon Akhtar Khan expressed Pakistan’s full commitment to strengthening tourism ties, fostering cultural exchange, and preserving the shared heritage between the two nations.
He highlighted Prime Minister Sharif’s vision for transformative projects in tourism, heritage preservation, and people-to-people exchanges. “The time has come to turn our focus toward Central Asia, a region rich with economic and cultural opportunities,” Khan remarked.
Minister Shadiev welcomed the deepening bilateral relationship and noted that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have already been signed to enhance cooperation. He emphasized the importance of empowering the hardworking people of both nations through joint initiatives.
Khan reiterated that tourism can play a pivotal role in boosting GDP and exports. He announced that, in line with the Prime Minister’s directive, PIA will soon launch direct flights to Uzbekistan. Private carriers will also be involved to further expedite efforts in trade and tourism development.
To facilitate travel between the two countries, both sides are working on easing visa procedures and improving travel-related services. Khan, reflecting on his ancestral roots in Central Asia, expressed a personal commitment to fostering regional connectivity. He concluded, “This is the right time to reconnect with Central Asia and harness its vast potential.”
