Pak-Uzbekistan boost tourism with new flights, visa eases

TASHKENT
With both countries possessing rich cultural heritages, what steps are being taken to promote bilateral tourism, and are there any joint ventures planned in this sector?
Uzbekistan and Pakistan share a unique cultural and historical heritage, which holds great significance not only for our peoples but also for the entire Muslim world. The fact that both countries are the birthplace of outstanding Islamic scholars, architects, and cultural figures provides a strong foundation for the development of spiritual and cultural tourism.
The development of bilateral tourism is one of the priorities on our agenda. In recent years, we have seen growing interest among Pakistani citizens in traveling to Uzbekistan, especially to such holy and historic cities as Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent, and Khiva. Similarly, more and more Uzbeks are showing interest in visiting Lahore, Karachi, and other historical cities in Pakistan.
To stimulate tourist flows, specific measures are being taken. Starting from September 2024, the visa process for Pakistani citizens was simplified. Regular flights are operated twice a week on “Tashkent-Lahore” route. Negotiations are underway to expand direct air connections between our countries, including the opening of new flights. Efforts are also being made to establish new cooperation agreements between tourism organizations and tour operators.
Joint projects in the field of ziyorat tourism are also planned, including tours to holy sites. We are considering the creation of cultural and tourist routes tracing the footsteps of our great ancestors and Muslim scholars, as well as the implementation of programs for tourist exchanges, participation in exhibitions, festivals, and fairs.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan is actively promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential through information campaigns, presentations, and supporting initiatives to develop direct connections between the relevant institutions of both countries.
We are confident that the activation of tourism will not only contribute to economic cooperation but also strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples.
8: Agriculture plays a significant role in both economies. Are there plans for collaborative projects or knowledge sharing in agricultural technologies and practices?
Agriculture indeed holds a strategic position in the economies of both Uzbekistan and Pakistan, ensuring food security, employment, and export potential.
Given the similar climatic conditions and shared challenges in this sector, our countries possess great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Currently, active work is underway to expand cooperation in the agricultural sector. We are exploring opportunities to create joint ventures for the processing of agricultural products, the introduction of modern irrigation and greenhouse technologies, seed production, and logistics.
Special attention is being given to the implementation of drip irrigation, the digitalization of agriculture, and the exchange of innovative solutions, in which both Uzbekistan and Pakistan have accumulated significant experience.
There is also consideration of organizing joint agro-forums, exhibitions, as well as scientific and educational programs to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between agricultural universities and relevant research institutes of both countries.
In the long term, we aim to create a platform for the systematic exchange of best practices, specialist training, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.