ISLAMABAD: Monitoring Desk – June 14, 2025 will be remembered as the day when the aerial distance between Tashkent and Islamabad became truly closer. Uzbekistan’s national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, successfully launched a direct flight between the capitals of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, opening up new horizons for trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
The inaugural flight, operated on a modern Airbus A320 NEO, landed safely at Islamabad International Airport at 11:50 AM local time with 168 passengers on board. On the return journey, nearly the same number of passengers flew from Islamabad to Tashkent. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolizing a warm reception and the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral friendship.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by:
— Officials from the Ministry of Aviation of Pakistan,
— The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation,
— The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration,
— Diplomats from the embassies of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan,
— Respected ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan,
— Over 20 leading tour operators,
— Media representatives and members of the public.
On the initiative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, a press conference was held at Islamabad International Airport to mark this important milestone. It was attended by representatives of the Pakistani media, tourism companies, and civil society.
Director General of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Aftab ur-Rehman Rana, stated: “Thanks to the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, this is already the third regular flight launched between our countries in the past six months. The new route will greatly facilitate mutual visits, boost tourism flows, and lay a solid foundation for strengthening people-to-people diplomacy.”
Director of Islamabad International Airport, Mr. Saeed Aftab Gilani, noted: “These flights will inject new momentum into trade, business, and academic relations. We are already working on launching new routes between other cities of our two countries.”
Just six months ago, there were no direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Today, there are already three flights per week — one to Islamabad and two to Lahore. And this progress will undoubtedly continue.
Under the visionary leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan continues to strengthen its role as a center of openness, development, and mutual respect.
Pakistan remains a reliable strategic partner, bound to Uzbekistan by shared values, historical ties, and a common vision for the future.
