Uzbekistan Airways starts direct flights to Pakistan
Uzbekistan Airways' first direct flight from
Tashkent to Islamabad was warmly received upon its arrival at Islamabad
International Airport on Saturday.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by the
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev; Managing Director of
the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Aftab ur Rehman Rana;
Islamabad Airport Manager, Syed Aftab Ali Shah Gilani; Uzbekistan Airways
Country Manager, Bakhtiyor Muminov; along with diplomats from other Central
Asian countries and senior officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority
(PAA), PTDC, and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
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Speaking at the event, Ambassador Tukhtaev emphasized
that the launch of the direct flight would significantly enhance economic and
trade relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, while also bringing the people
of both nations closer. He highlighted the new route as a strategic milestone
in bilateral cooperation, aligning with broader Central and South Asia
connectivity goals.
PTDC Managing Director Aftab Rana hailed the
weekly flight as a major step forward in strengthening air connectivity between
the two "brotherly nations." He described it as a milestone in
regional cooperation and noted that it fulfills long-standing connectivity
demands raised at regional platforms such as the Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
“This new air route will not only bolster
bilateral ties across various sectors but also play a crucial role in boosting
regional tourism, facilitating people-to-people connections, supporting
business travel and academic exchange, and promoting cultural collaboration,”
Rana stated.
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Highlighting the tourism opportunities, Mr.
Rana added that the direct flight would substantially increase two-way tourist
flows. “Pakistani travelers now have easier access to Uzbekistan’s legendary
Silk Road cities—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—while Uzbek visitors can more
readily explore Pakistan’s majestic northern landscapes, spiritual heritage
sites, and vibrant cultural attractions.”
He also noted that tourism exchanges between
the two countries have grown in recent years, fueled by shared historical ties,
cultural affinity, and religious heritage. The new air link offers a
convenient, affordable, and reliable travel option for tourists, students, and
pilgrims seeking meaningful cross-border experiences.
Source: Profit Pakistan