KARACHI: Direct air connectivity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has further expanded with the launch of regular flights between Tashkent and Karachi by Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air, marking a significant development aimed at promoting tourism, trade, business and people-to-people contacts between the two brotherly countries.
The first direct flight from Tashkent arrived at Karachi Airport at 4:20 a.m. local time on Thursday, September 3, carrying passengers from the Uzbek capital aboard an Airbus A320 aircraft.
The inaugural direct flight from Tashkent was received at Karachi Airport by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan H.E. H.E. Alisher Tukhtaev, as an Airbus A320 aircraft carrying passengers from the Uzbek capital touched down, marking the launch of the new air link between the two cities.
Uzbekistan-Pakistan air connectivity expands as “Centrum Air’’ launches direct Tashkent-Karachi flights
The aircraft was accorded a traditional water-cannon salute upon arrival at Karachi Airport, marking the commencement of the new air route and highlighting the growing aviation and economic links between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
A welcoming ceremony was held at the airport, which was attended by representatives of the Sindh provincial administration and local government authorities, members of the diplomatic corps in Karachi, representatives of the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation, airlines, tour operators and members of the media.
Speaking on the occasion, representatives of the Sindh provincial government welcomed the launch of the direct flight, describing it as another practical step by Uzbekistan towards bringing the people of the two brotherly countries closer together.
They said improved air connectivity would provide fresh opportunities for increasing tourist flows, strengthening business-to-business contacts and facilitating greater interaction between the business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The launch of the Tashkent-Karachi route is also expected to contribute to the development of tourism in Sindh and provide Pakistani travellers with easier access to Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region.
The new service is likely to facilitate travel for businessmen, investors, tourists, students and families while creating additional opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and other sectors.
Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been working to strengthen bilateral connectivity as part of broader efforts to enhance economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
Improved direct air links are considered an important component of these efforts, particularly in view of growing interest in tourism and regional trade.
With the commencement of Centrum Air’s direct Tashkent-Karachi service, the number of direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has reached eight flights per week, further strengthening the aviation bridge between the two countries.
The development is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations and contribute to greater people-to-people contacts, tourism exchanges and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
