Tazeen AkhtarA strong bond between Pakistan and Uzbekistan was highlighted on Thursday in Islamabad by launching two important books, Urdu-Uzbek Dictionary of Common Words and 20th Century Fictions at the National Language Promotion Authority in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in which a large number of academic, literary and cultural figures participated.
The special guest, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan Alisher Tukhtaev, said in his welcome address that Pakistan and Uzbekistan are bound by centuries-old religious, civilisational and cultural ties. H.E said, such literary and cultural programs play a very important role in further promoting love, brotherhood and academic relations between the people of the two countries.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said in his address that both the writers have played a positive and constructive role and have rendered important services in further strengthening the relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He expressed the hope that such academic and literary activities will continue in the future. He suggested that the Uzbek dictionary should also be made available online so that the common people can get more convenience from it.
Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gilani said that today’s event is not just the launch of two books but a practical manifestation of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He said that the relations between the two countries are not only cultural but also based on historical, scientific and civilizational foundations. The light of sciences, arts and culture has always illuminated these regions.
He said that Urdu language includes words from different languages of the world, which is a proof of its breadth and universality. He congratulated both the authors and the National Language Promotion Agency on this successful academic endeavor.
Professor Mahiya Abdul Rahmanova said that she is feeling very happy at the launch of these two books in the blessed month. She thanked the esteemed Ambassador of Uzbekistan for his visit and said that compiling a dictionary is like digging a well with a needle and it is a very laborious task. I sincerely congratulate Tash Mirza on compiling this dictionary.Adil Mirza Son of Professor Tash Mirza , said that she is grateful to the participants on behalf of her father Dr. Tash Mirza Khalmirzayev. She said that to bring Pakistan and Uzbekistan closer, a flight service has been started from Lahore to Tashkent, which has increased the people-to-people contacts between the two countries. She said that now it is possible to reach Samarkand and Bukhara in just two hours.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Authority, said that the largest number of people who bring nations closer together in the world are poets and writers. He further said that Tash Mirza and Pakistani literature are two sides of the same coin. This is the third book by Tash Mirza that is being published by the agency. In my opinion, intellectual and literary works are long-lasting and these are the ones that change the fate of nations.
While paying tribute to Dr. Tash Mirza Khalmirzaif and Professor Muhiya Abdul Rahmanova, he said that both the authors completed this academic project with great dedication and hard work. He said that the National Language Promotion Agency is honored that the Urdu-Uzbek Common Words Dictionary and other important books were published from this platform.
The ambassadors of Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkiye, First Secretary Azerbaijan , Chairperson Academy of Letters Dr Najeebah Arif were also present.
Mr Hamid Mehboob , the Tourism Ambassador conducted the event while wearing Uzbek gown with black color and golden embroidry work on it that was eye catching for the participants.
The hall was decorated with uzbek gowns of different styles and colors with traditional caps and paintings. The guest were served with famous Uzbek Pilao and Samsa.
