Urdu-Uzbek literary works strengthen cultural, academic ties between Pakistan, Uzbekistan: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Thursday said literary and academic collaborations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan helped strengthen bilateral relations, as two important books aimed at promoting Urdu-Uzbek linguistic and cultural ties were launched at an international ceremony held here

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st May, 2026) Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Thursday said literary and academic collaborations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan helped strengthen bilateral relations, as two important books aimed at promoting Urdu-Uzbek linguistic and cultural ties were launched at an international ceremony held here.

He said the authors of the publications had made valuable contributions towards enhancing cultural understanding and academic cooperation between the two friendly countries.

He expressed these views while addressing a one-day international book launching ceremony organized by the National Language Promotion Department in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Islamabad.

The event featured the launch of two important publications including 'Dictionary of Common Urdu-Uzbek Words' and 'Twentieth Century Short Stories' in the presence of scholars, writers, researchers and cultural personalities from both countries.

Aurangzeb Khichi appreciated the efforts of the authors and said such literary and intellectual activities would further deepen cultural and academic ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He also proposed making the Urdu-Uzbek dictionary available online to ensure easy public access and wider outreach.

Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, said Pakistan and Uzbekistan were linked through centuries-old religious, cultural and civilizational bonds.

He said literary and cultural events played an important role in promoting love, brotherhood and academic cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.

The ambassador noted that the dictionary of common urdu and Uzbek words would help strengthen intellectual linkages and enable younger generations to better understand each other’s language, culture and history.

He congratulated the authors and the National Language Promotion Department on the valuable scholarly contribution.

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Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Talha Mahmood said nations that forget their history disappear from the pages of history.

He stressed upon the importance of preserving Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage and congratulated Dr. Tash Mirza and Professor Mohiya Abdulrahmanova on their scholarly achievements.

Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gilani said the ceremony was not merely a book launch but a reflection of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan rooted in shared historical, academic and cultural ties.

He further remarked that the Urdu language had adopted words from many world languages, reflecting its richness and diversity.

Director General, National Language Promotion Department, Professor Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar said writers and poets had always played a vital role in bringing nations closer together.

He described the work of the authors as a lasting intellectual contribution and praised Dr. Tash Mirza Khalmirzaev and Professor Mohiya Abdulrahmanova for completing the demanding project with dedication and commitment.

Executive Director PRCCF, Khalid Taimur Akram, said Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations dated back to the era of Zahiruddin Babar and Amir Timur.

He added that Multani art reached the subcontinent from Samarkand and Bukhara and informed the audience that a Babar Park was being constructed in Islamabad with Uzbekistan’s cooperation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adil Mirza thanked the participants on behalf of his father Dr. Tash Mirza Khalmirzaev and highlighted that direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent had significantly enhanced people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

Professor Mohiya Abdulrahmanova expressed happiness over the launch of the books and remarked that compiling a dictionary was an extremely difficult task, comparable to “digging a well with a needle.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, books were presented to distinguished guests.