Uzbekistan is set to launch direct low-cost direct flights, offering new jobs for international students and business opportunities to investors, strengthening tourism, education, and business ties with Pakistan.
Hamid Mehmood, brand ambassador of Uzbekistan Tourism in Pakistan, said the Central Asian country is introducing affordable air connectivity, with a low-cost airline set to begin operations from Lahore, Pakistan by the end of April 2026.
He highlighted that travel costs to Tashkent – the capital to Uzbekistan, are expected to be comparable to domestic routes such as Karachi to Islamabad, making international travel more accessible for Pakistani citizens.
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According to Mehmood, around 12,000 Pakistani tourists visited Uzbekistan last year purely for tourism purposes. The target for 2026 has been set between 20,000 to 30,000 visitors, supported by incentives and facilities introduced by the Uzbek government.
Officials say Uzbekistan is promoting multiple forms of tourism, including cultural, religious, food, and educational travel.
The country is home to several historic and religious sites, including shrines associated with prominent Islamic scholars and figures such as Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, and Bahauddin Naqshband.
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In addition to tourism, Uzbekistan is also becoming a popular destination for Pakistani students.
Currently, between 2,500 and 3,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in medical universities, drawn by relatively lower tuition costs and international career opportunities after graduation, Mehmood said.
The growing relationship also extends to trade and business. Pakistani professionals are actively contributing to Uzbekistan’s textile sector, while industries such as leather and sports goods manufacturing are expanding their presence in the country.
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Mehmood noted that Uzbekistan offers significant advantages for investors, including tax-free exports to Central Asian markets.
This allows businesses established in Uzbekistan to access a wider regional market, including routes extending towards Russia.
With improved connectivity, competitive costs, and diverse opportunities, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a key destination for Pakistani tourists, students, and investors seeking affordable and accessible international options.
