Fakhriddin Otbasarov
Friendly relations between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan go back to the distant past. Today, these ties are developing further, taking strength from historical roots.
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur and the Baburid dynasty, Muhammad Iqbal, Mirza Ghalib, and other great thinkers and poets, immortal heritage, and enlightened views are a strong spiritual bridge connecting our peoples.
Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the history, culture, and art of Pakistan in Uzbekistan, particularly in studying the Urdu language. In turn, Pakistan also pays great attention to projects aimed at studying and researching the Uzbek language, literature, and our country’s history.
In particular, “Babur Heritage Center” was opened at the University of Punjab, and “Alisher Navoi Center” for studying Uzbek language and culture was opened at the University of Peshawar.
In recent years, the development of cultural-humanitarian relations, joint study of our common spiritual heritage, and development of cooperation in the fields of science, education, culture, and sports have been achieved.
It should also be noted that interest in Pakistan’s rich history and culture is also growing in Uzbekistan. For example, the life and creative heritage of Mirza Ghalib, the great poet of the East, and the great thinker who founded the literary language Urdu, is studied in depth.
Today there are about 10 million members of the Naqshbandi tariqah in Pakistan and many admirers of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. All conditions have been created for them to make pilgrimages to Bukhara, Samarkand, and Andijan holy places.
The filming of a film about our ancestor Babur has started in cooperation with the filmmakers of the two countries.
Strengthening cooperation in the field of medical education to protect human health will be beneficial for our nations.
At this point, we are pleased that over the past three years, among Pakistani youth, there has been an increased interest in studying in medical universities of Uzbekistan. More than 750 Pakistani youth are currently studying in this specialization in our country.
The traditional friendship and multi-vector practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are getting stronger, and the reforms of both countries on the way to development are consistent and similar.
The Cultural Exchange Program for 2021-2026 and the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of World Economy and Diplomacy and the Foreign Service Academy will undoubtedly help raise our countries’ cooperation to a new, higher level.
As a continuation of the traditions of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, several activities are being carried out by the Center for Public Diplomacy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Uzbekistan.
On June 9, 2021, on the 29th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, the Center held an online meeting of experts on the topic “Prospects of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
On July 12, 2021, on the eve of the official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to Uzbekistan, an international roundtable on the topic “Uzbekistan-Pakistan: current state and prospects of regional interdependence” were organized in cooperation with the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
On February 5, 2021, a video interview was held with Farhat Asif, President of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in Pakistan. After the meeting, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Center and the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies.
As part of the Memorandum, an agreement was reached to hold a number of events related to the centuries-old cultural, trade, economic, and most importantly, sincere friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the Independence Day of the Republic of Pakistan.
On March 2, 2021, the newspaper “Daily Times Pakistan” published an article entitled “Uzbekistan is a member of the UN Human Rights Council” by Muhammad Asif Noor, a partner of the SCO Center for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, director of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies. The article focuses on the speech of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council on February 22, 2021.
On November 8, 2021, the head of the cultural and humanitarian relations department of the Center F. Otbasarov’s article “Muhammad Iqbal – Teacher of the Enlightened People of the East and Islamic World” was published in “Global News Pakistan”, one of the largest newspapers of Pakistan.
Promoting the rich history and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan and Pakistan, as well as the ancient philosophy, helping to establish tolerance and mutual respect among peoples are among the goals and tasks of the Center.
The future work plan of the center includes getting acquainted with the music and architectural heritage of the SCO countries, including Pakistan, as well as conducting large-scale events with partners in the fields of education, science, sports, etc.
In conclusion, it can be said that the further expansion of cultural and humanitarian relations between our countries, and the establishment of friendly relations in the field of public diplomacy, are a clear expression of the sincere attitude of our people to each other, mutual respect, and attention.
Taking this opportunity, the Center congratulates the brotherly people of Pakistan on the 75th anniversary of Independence.
*The writer is Head of the Department of Cultural and Humanitarian Relations of the SCO Center for Public Diplomacy in Uzbekistan.
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