In a bid to boost ties with Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued orders for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to begin flights to the Central Asian country. As per credible reports, private airlines could also be "engaged" to facilitate tourism ventures between the two nations.

 

A high-profile meeting has occurred with senior officials from both sides, realising gains from collaboration in the tourism sector. Reports indicate that Uzbekistan’s Minister for Tourism, Umid Shadiev, and Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, discussed avenues of collaboration with Haroon Akhtar Khan, who serves as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production.

 

Haroon Akhtar reportedly reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to collaborate with Uzbekistan to boost people-to-people exchanges, expand tourism-related links and safeguard the joint heritage of both nations. He outlined the wealth of economic growth prospects that Pakistan can enjoy by establishing greater ties with central asian countries.

 

While PIA is to begin flight operations to Uzbekistan in the near future, Haroon has highlighted the federal government’s intent to engage with privately owned airlines to increase connectivity. If the demand for commercial flights between the two countries remains strong, PIA might witness a growth in its profit margins.

 

Until recently, the national carrier’s financial performance was not enviable as the airline posted staggering losses for 21 consecutive years. However, recent reports suggest that the airline managed to log an operational profit of Rs3.9 billion, with net profit remaining at a healthy Rs2.26 billion in 2024.

 

According to PIA’s spokesperson, the national carrier’s financial performance is now in line with that of some of the best airlines in the world. PIA has been able to achieve this feat after making major changes to its business operations and structure.

 

Reports indicate that authorities are actively attempting to lubricate bilateral tourism by simplifying visa application processes. A multitude of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have also been inked by both sides to help grow Pak-Uzbek ties.

 

The aforementioned developments could allow a greater number of residents to obtain visas, enabling Pakistani airlines to compete in catering to the rising demand along this travel route. However, airlines will not be the sole beneficiaries for an increase in passenger flows between the two countries, as catering and hospitality services could witness a rise in demand as well.