ISLAMABAD, Aug 29 (IN): Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Saturday celebrated their deep-rooted bonds of friendship, history and cultural heritage at a special musical evening held in Islamabad, highlighting the role of art and cultural exchanges in bringing the two nations closer.Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, addressing the cultural concert “Uzbekistan-Pakistan: Melodies of Friendship and Brotherhood” at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), said relations between the two countries extended far beyond formal diplomatic ties.He said the longstanding relationship was anchored in shared history, culture and spiritual heritage, with poetry, music, art and ideas having travelled across the region for centuries and creating enduring links between the peoples of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The concert was organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan to mark the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence and was attended by diplomats, senior government officials and dignitaries from various countries.Congratulating the government and people of Uzbekistan on the anniversary, Minister Khichi said the theme, “Melodies of Friendship and Brotherhood,” aptly reflected the strong bond between the two countries.“Music needs no translation. It speaks directly to people and reminds us of how much we share,” he remarked.The minister welcomed the Uzbek artists who performed at the event and showcased the richness of Uzbekistan’s musical and cultural traditions.
He said Pakistan attached great importance to its cultural partnership with Uzbekistan and expressed hope that cooperation would be further expanded in areas including heritage, museums, literature, music, performing arts, traditional crafts and exhibitions.He also stressed the need to create greater opportunities for young artists, writers and cultural professionals from both countries to interact, exchange knowledge and work together.Minister Khichi thanked the Embassy of Uzbekistan and Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev for organizing the cultural evening and helping strengthen people-to-people ties between the two brotherly countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev described the concert as a “cultural gift from the people of Uzbekistan to the friendly people of Pakistan.” He said the event reflected the deep-rooted friendship and growing partnership between the two nations.The ambassador highlighted the centuries-old connections between the two societies through the historic Silk Road, which served as a channel for the exchange of knowledge, literature, science, music and art.He also recalled the shared legacy of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, while highlighting recent initiatives aimed at strengthening people-to-people contacts, including the naming of Tashkent Street in Islamabad, the ongoing Babur Park project and sister-city relations between Samarkand and Islamabad and between Termez and Peshawar.Ambassador Tukhtaev said cultural, academic, educational and sports exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan were expanding, alongside initiatives to promote the Urdu language and scholarship in Uzbekistan.
Referring to the Uzbek President’s state visit to Pakistan earlier this year, he said the visit had given fresh momentum to bilateral cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including efforts to preserve and promote the heritage of the Great Baburid Dynasty.He announced that preparations were underway for the “Days of Culture of Uzbekistan in Pakistan” later this year, which would feature a large Uzbek cultural delegation presenting the country’s historical heritage, traditional arts and contemporary cultural achievements.The ambassador also highlighted improving air connectivity between the two countries, saying six direct flights were currently operating each week between Tashkent and Lahore and Islamabad.
Direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi are scheduled to begin on September 3.He said enhanced connectivity would further promote tourism, education, business, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.The cultural evening featured distinguished Uzbek artists performing a vibrant programme of traditional music and dance. Colorful costumes, graceful dances and melodious musical performances captivated the audience and offered a vivid glimpse into Uzbekistan’s diverse cultural heritage.
The performances underscored the enduring historical and cultural affinities between the two countries and demonstrated how music and the arts can serve as powerful bridges between peoples.The evening concluded with expressions of friendship and goodwill, with Ambassador Tukhtaev expressing confidence that growing cultural cooperation would further strengthen the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
