Uzbekistan to launch direct flight to Karachi in bid to strengthen bilateral ties: envoy – Pakistan

Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, announced his government’s plan to introduce a new direct flight route between Uzbekistan and Karachi this year, describing it as an important step in fostering closer ties between the two nations. Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Sunday.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan are strengthening their ties through trade and economic cooperation. A $1 billion trade deal was signed in 2023 and plans for further collaboration, including a roadmap for industrial cooperation, show both sides’ commitment to boosting regional connectivity.

During his official visit to Karachi from January 2 to 4, Ambassador Tukhtaev addressed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and members of the business community of the metropolis of Sindh.

He highlighted the historical and fraternal relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, underpinned by shared cultural and religious affinities.

“Our two nations are closer than ever, thanks to the realization of the long-awaited vision of regional connectivity,” the ambassador said, according to the report, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance economic cooperation and strategic collaboration.

Ambassador Tukhtaev shared that Uzbekistan implemented a flexible visa regime for Pakistani citizens in September 2023, facilitating business and tourist travel. This initiative, along with the recently launched direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, shows Uzbekistan’s commitment to fostering people-to-people connections and promoting mutual understanding.

Highlighting the trade potential, the ambassador noted that mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has tripled in the last five years, rising from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023.

He highlighted untapped opportunities for greater collaboration, particularly in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather and tanning, food processing and agribusiness.

Ambassador Tukhtaev also praised the success of the “Made in Pakistan” solo exhibition, held in Tashkent last June, which provided an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs from both nations to forge new trade and investment agreements.

Building on this momentum, he announced plans for a “Made in Uzbekistan” industrial exhibition in Karachi later this year, expressing confidence that it would further strengthen economic ties.

The ambassador invited a KCCI delegation to visit Uzbekistan and explore investment opportunities in regions such as Bukhara, Sirdarya, Surkhondarya and Kashkadarya.

He assured the full support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan to facilitate government-to-business (G2B) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings during such visits.

“Uzbekistan offers a safe, conducive and liberal environment for investment,” he said, urging Pakistani companies to take advantage of opportunities in various sectors in which Sindh excels. He also welcomed the idea of ​​organizing B2B meetings along with visits by business delegations to materialize trade and investment prospects.

Ambassador Tukhtaev’s visit underscored both nations’ commitment to promoting regional connectivity, strengthening economic partnerships and fostering deeper bilateral ties.

DG PAA calls meeting after video of stray dogs at Karachi airport

Meanwhile, Airports Director General Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Zeeshan Saeed has called a meeting at the PAA headquarters to address the issue of stray dogs detected in the general aviation area, according to a press release issued by the PAA on Sunday.

“The session was attended by Airports Deputy General Manager Sadiq ur Rehman, APS Directors, HR and SQMS representatives as well as other key officials. The acting director of the airport and the director of the airfield were also present,” the statement read.

This statement follows videos of stray dogs in the general aviation area of ​​Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport being shared on social media.

“During the meeting, the Area of ​​Operations Manager provided detailed information on the wildlife and vegetation control measures implemented in the area of ​​operations. “It was emphasized that the area of ​​operations is completely fenced and under 24/7 surveillance by specialized bird and wildlife control teams,” the statement continued.

Comprehensive safety inspections are carried out before each landing and takeoff, ensuring the highest standards of operational safety. Records do not show formal reports of stray dogs or the presence of wildlife in the area of ​​operations, according to the statement.

The statement added that there have been no flight cancellations due to wild animal intrusion, as confirmed by operational records. Additionally, there have been no formal reports of stray dogs approaching taxiing aircraft in the General Aviation Area.

“Pakistan Airports Authority remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards at all its facilities,” the statement concluded.




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