Pakistan, Uzbekistan resolved to deepen city-level ties

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation at the city level, with progress on the landmark Babar Park project to be established in the federal capital. Besides, plans for sister-city agreements, and enhanced collaboration for the beautification and development of Islamabad are also on the cards. The understanding emerged during a meeting between Chairman Sohail Ashraf, who is also Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Alisher Tukhtayev at the CDA headquarters on Friday. Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest and avenues for expanding longstanding brotherly relations. Sohail Ashraf said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Uzbekistan and values the historic friendship between the two countries. Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev said Pakistan and Uzbekistan share deep cultural, historical and heritage links, while also appreciating the beauty and greenery of Islamabad. During the meeting, the Uzbek ambassador briefed the CDA chairman on progress regarding the construction of Babar Park on Faisal Avenue, saying formal work on the project had begun. He said the park was a gift from the Government of Uzbekistan to the people of Pakistan and would rank among the finest recreational spaces in the federal capital. Chairman CDA appreciated the design concept of the Babar Park project and said he would soon visit the project site along with the Uzbek envoy. The ambassador also informed that an agreement granting Islamabad and Tashkent the status of sister cities is expected to be signed soon. Both sides also discussed the possibility of relocating the Uzbek embassy to Islamabad’s Diplomatic Enclave, with Sohail Ashraf assuring full cooperation from the CDA in this regard. The Uzbek ambassador noted that Tashkent Street in Islamabad symbolises the close brotherly ties between the two countries and expressed interest in establishing sister-city relations between Islamabad and Fergana, one of Uzbekistan’s historic cities.