Celebrating Regional Ties: TrulyPakistan and Tour De Pakistan Host Uzbekistan–Pakistan Tourism Forum in Islamabad
On April 11, 2025, Islamabad emerged as a focal point for strategic dialogue in regional tourism development. The Uzbekistan–Pakistan Tourism Forum, themed “Uzbekistan – The Pearl of the Silk Road,” convened policymakers, cultural envoys, and industry stakeholders in a forum that transcended ceremonial diplomacy. It offered a meaningful platform to reflect on shared civilizational heritage while laying the groundwork for sustainable, cross-border tourism initiatives grounded in mutual respect, economic opportunity, and cultural exchange.
Held at the Best Western Premier Hotel, the forum was part of a bigger push by the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with similar events organised in Karachi and Lahore. The Islamabad gathering was special, co-hosted by TrulyPakistan and Tour De Pakistan – marking the first time these two platforms officially joined forces for an event.
The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan organised the day. TrulyPakistan acted as the media partner, while Muhammad Tahir, the Founder and CEO of Tour De Pakistan, expertly guided the proceedings as the official host.
Spotlight on Diplomacy, Culture, and Working Together
The forum buzzed with high-level talks and vibrant cultural displays, all focused on strengthening Pakistan–Uzbekistan tourism links. Key speakers included:
- Mr Aziz Mirdjalilov – Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Mr Ravshan Jumanov – Representative, Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan
- Mr Tokhir Shamsimatov – Lead Strategist for International Tourism Development
- Mr Bakhtiyor Muminov – Country Representative, Uzbekistan Airways Pakistan
Each speaker offered insights into Uzbekistan’s tourism strategy and its keen interest in working more closely with South Asia, especially Pakistan. From ancient heritage sites to spiritual journeys, the Uzbek delegation showcased their enthusiasm for co-creating unique travel experiences, developing joint tour packages, and building lasting cultural connections.
A Proud Moment for Pakistan’s Tourism Innovators
But this forum wasn’t just about diplomacy; its real significance lay in who was helping to run the show.
It marked the first proper collaboration between TrulyPakistan and Tour De Pakistan, two exciting, up-and-coming names in Pakistan’s travel world. While they have different styles – one focusing on digital savvy, the other on hands-on adventure – both share the same core goal: changing the game for how Pakistan is seen and experienced by tourists worldwide.
As media partner, TrulyPakistan captured the event’s highlights, shone a light on the cultural aspects, and will keep sharing the story through articles, blogs, and social media. Founder ZunNurain Khalid, who also champions tourism technology, commented:
“We’re building more than content—we’re building credibility. Hosting this forum with Tour De Pakistan shows the world that Pakistan is not just a beautiful country—it’s a strategic, digital-ready tourism partner.”
This teamwork points to a bigger trend in the tourism industry: where telling compelling stories, building solid systems, and working together across borders are now seen as vital for sustainable growth.
Hosting the Forum: Muhammad Tahir’s Role
Steering the Islamabad event as the official host was Muhammad Tahir, the driving force behind Tour De Pakistan. A mountaineer who became a tourism entrepreneur, Tahir’s presence was both symbolic and practical, lending an authentic voice from the front lines of travel to this high-level discussion.
In his opening remarks, Tahir shared:
“Our mission is to promote not just destinations, but the soul of travel—music, culture, and hospitality. That’s what brings us together as nations.”
Tahir’s leadership helped create a positive atmosphere for the forum: welcoming, practical, and full of optimism. With ten years’ experience leading carefully planned trips across Pakistan, he knows better than most how crucial it is to keep local authenticity at the heart of tourism talks.
Culture on Display: Music, Food & Agreements
A real highlight of the event was the focus on cultural sharing. Delegates from both nations enjoyed performances, warm hospitality, and a meal featuring delicious Uzbek and Pakistani dishes. The atmosphere felt less like a formal conference and more like a celebration – one that honoured the deep historical links between the two countries along the ancient Silk Road.
Crucially, the event saw the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between tour operators, airlines, and government bodies from both sides. These agreements are set to kickstart:
- Joint tourism packages
- More flight options via Uzbekistan Airways
- Cultural exchange programmes
- Religious and spiritual tour routes
- Teamwork on digital tourism marketing
Each MOU is a concrete step towards better tourism connections across Central and South Asia.
Why This Event Meant More
While tourism forums happen often, what set this one apart was the real sense of partnership between government bodies and private-sector innovators. TrulyPakistan and Tour De Pakistan weren’t just attendees – they helped shape the experience.
This joined-up approach – where the government provides support and platforms like TrulyPakistan add speed and digital know-how – is perhaps a model for how tourism can flourish in developing economies.
In today’s digital world, tourism isn’t just about getting people to visit. It’s about creating the right infrastructure, crafting the right stories, and working with other nations on how we want the world to see and experience us.
Looking Ahead
The Islamabad forum was just the start. Following successful events in Karachi and Lahore, there’s a real buzz about extending this cooperation further – involving more private companies, universities, and tourism start-ups in both countries.
For TrulyPakistan and Tour De Pakistan, this event was a springboard. They’re already brainstorming future joint projects, such as:
- Podcast episodes about regional tourism on WanderVision
- Collaborative travel features by Uzbek and Pakistani creators
- Using CRM systems to better manage tour enquiries
- Developing cultural heritage tours spanning both countries
Final Thoughts
The Silk Road once linked nations through trade. Today, tourism is doing the same – but this time, it’s digital, informed by data, and founded on human connections.
As Pakistan steps confidently onto the global tourism stage, partnerships like the one between TrulyPakistan, Tour De Pakistan, and regional friends like Uzbekistan will be crucial in shaping the journey ahead.
Because the future of tourism isn’t just about who turns up – it’s about how we get there, together.
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