Islamabad, Nov 27: Direct Flights Between Uzbekistan and Pakistan to Resume on Nov 29, Confirms Ambassador Tukhtaev. In an effort to strengthen regional cooperation, Alisher Tukhtayev, the ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, announced on Thursday that direct flights between his country and Pakistan would resume on November 29 (tomorrow).
The purpose of this aircraft, which connects the cities of Tashkent and Lahore, is to facilitate travel for visitors, advance trade and economic links between the two nations, and further deepen bilateral cooperation. Alisher Tukhtayev, the Uzbek ambassador to Pakistan, told APP here.
The envoy claimed that the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev,’s personal initiative and steadfast support were essential to this outstanding accomplishment. “Since September of this year, Uzbekistan has resumed issuing tourist visas for citizens of brotherly Pakistan due to the leadership and strategic vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev,” he said.
“This prudent choice has not only made travel between the people on both sides easier, but it has also improved friendships and opened up new avenues for understanding, business cooperation, and people-to-people interactions between two countries,” he said.
“New opportunities for tourists and businessmen will be created by direct flights, and Uzbekistan will also serve as a unique hub for Pakistan’s citizens, including business chamber representatives,” stated the Uzbek envoy.
“The restoration of regular direct flights is a strategic step to enhance the economic and trade connectivity and will promote cultural exchange between the two countries,” stated Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev. “Uzbekistan offers enormous tourism potential due to its rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage,” he stated.
“We are thrilled to introduce our Pakistani friends to our shared historical legacy, lovely customs, and exceptional travel opportunities,” he continued. “The future of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is promising, and there are untapped opportunities in different sectors of the bilateral economy to further deepen beneficial cooperation,” he said in response to a question about the two countries’ future bilateral trade.
He reported that “our trade relations are developing steadily today.” “Specifically, the bilateral trade turnover has nearly quadrupled over the last five years, reaching $122 million in 2019 and projected to surpass $400 million by the end of 2024,” he stated.
“Uzbek industrial products, fruits, and vegetables are in high demand in Pakistan, while Pakistan has an interest in the Uzbek market with its agricultural products, food, textiles, and leather products,” the ambassador stated.
“We are working to expand the list of preferential products under the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Uzbekistan and Pakistan from 17 to at least 100 items,” stated Alisher Tukhtayev. “The PTA is fully operational.”
According to him, a number of new trade and investment agreements were inked during the “Made in Pakistan” industrial show in Tashkent in June 2024. In order to increase the variety of commodities that are exported between our nations, he stated that in 2025, he planned to host an exposition of industrial goods “Made in Uzbekistan” in Pakistan.
“I have no doubt that we will make sure that the heads of state’s agreement to boost bilateral trade to $1 billion is implemented in the near future,” he said. Strong political relationships would help to take this cooperation to a new level, the Uzbek envoy said, adding, “I have no doubt that the future of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is bright.”
