- Concert marking Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Anniversary highlights centuries-old bonds and growing strategic partnership between the two nations
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad hosted a vibrant cultural evening on August 29, featuring the concert “Uzbekistan–Pakistan: Melodies of Friendship and Brotherhood” at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), marking the eve of the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of Uzbekistan.
The concert was among the major highlights of the Uzbekistan Tourism Days being held in Islamabad and brought together more than 300 distinguished guests, including senior representatives of Pakistan’s government and parliament, ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, academics, media professionals, cultural figures and members of the Uzbek community.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture of Pakistan Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the event as Chief Guest.
The evening commenced with the national anthems of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, setting the tone for an event celebrating the deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Speakers highlighted that the friendship between the Uzbek and Pakistani peoples is rooted in centuries of shared history, cultural traditions, spiritual values and intellectual heritage. The enduring connections between Central and South Asia have continued to provide a strong foundation for closer bilateral relations.
The longstanding affinity between the two peoples is increasingly reflected in the expanding strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, driven by the political commitment and leadership of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Particular emphasis was placed on President Mirziyoyev’s historic State Visit to Pakistan on February 5–6, 2026, which provided fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation and opened new avenues for collaboration in political, economic, cultural and tourism sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi praised Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and its remarkable transformation, while highlighting the country’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Recalling his recent visit to Uzbekistan, the minister said the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and the renovated Imam Bukhari Complex near Samarkand had left a particularly strong impression on him.
He commended Uzbekistan for its efforts to preserve, research and showcase its exceptional historical, cultural and intellectual heritage for the international community and future generations.
“Uzbekistan is setting an example of how a great history can be carefully preserved, presented to the world with dignity and passed on to future generations,” the minister said.
The cultural program featuring renowned Uzbek performers became the centerpiece of the evening. Traditional Uzbek melodies, songs and vibrant folk dances captivated the Pakistani audience and were met with enthusiastic applause.
The performance demonstrated the powerful role of culture in bringing peoples and nations closer together, transcending geographical boundaries and strengthening mutual understanding and respect.
The event also underscored the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in further deepening Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations, particularly through tourism, heritage preservation and people-to-people exchanges.
From the historic cities of Tashkent and Samarkand to Islamabad and Lahore, the longstanding cultural connections between Uzbekistan and Pakistan continue to evolve into stronger contemporary partnerships.
The evening concluded with a renewed message of friendship and solidarity between the two nations: a shared history provides the foundation, enduring friendship strengthens the present, and closer cooperation can build a prosperous future together.
BY: The Times Union
