In Pakistan, a presentation was held for the Urdu language book “Short stories of the 20th century”, featuring stories by Uzbek writers, as well as the dictionary “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary”

The presentation took place in Islamabad at the National Language Promotion Department of Pakistan. The event introduced the Urdu-language book “Short stories of the 20th century”, which includes stories by renowned Uzbek writers, along with the dictionary “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary”.

The event was attended by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Advisor to the Chairman of the Senate Misbah Khar, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, heads of various ministries and agencies, members of both houses of parliament, ambassadors and diplomats from Turkmenistan, Russia, Türkiye, Tajikistan, and Iran, representatives of business and academic circles, media representatives, as well as compatriots living in and around Islamabad and members of the general public.

The presentation was opened by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev. In his speech, he paid special attention to the reforms being carried out under the leadership of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and their results, while also speaking about the current state of Uzbek-Pakistani relations. It was noted that the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan on February 5–6 of this year elevated bilateral cooperation, including in the cultural and educational sphere, to a new level. The presented books became a practical outcome of the agreements reached during that visit in the fields of culture and education.

“The dictionary ‘Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary” by Toshmirza Kholmirzayev is the result of his many years of scientific research. Similar words in Urdu and Uzbek are the outcome of a centuries-old historical process. This dictionary will become an important practical guide for students, teachers, translators, and researchers studying both languages,” the ambassador emphasized.

The ambassador also spoke about the Urdu-language book “Short stories of the 20th century”, It includes around fifty stories by outstanding representatives of Uzbek literature – Abdullah Qahhor, Said Ahmad, Saida Zunnunova, O‘tkir Hoshimov, and Shukur Kholmirzayev.

Speaking at the event, Pakistani Senator Talha Mahmood noted that thanks to the efforts of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbek-Pakistani relations are experiencing their best period. According to him, Uzbekistan, under the President’s leadership, is building friendly relations with all countries and becoming an important participant on the global political stage.

He also highly praised the many years of work by dictionary author Toshmirza Kholmirzayev, noting that the collection of around four thousand words with similar meanings in Uzbek and Urdu represents a major scholarly achievement.

Muhammad Salim Mazhar, Director General of Pakistan’s National Language Promotion Department, stressed in his speech that literature and culture are the greatest spiritual forces bringing nations closer together.

“The dictionary “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary”, prepared by the distinguished diplomat and Urdu expert from Uzbekistan, Toshmirza Kholmirzayev, has been published by our Department. This is a great honor for us. I would like to express deep gratitude to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan and the translator’s family for their assistance in preparing the publication,” he said.

Professor Mukhayo Abdurakhmanova of the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Candidate of Philological Sciences, spoke about the latest initiatives supporting art, culture, and literature in the country, as well as efforts to translate works by Uzbek authors into foreign languages. According to her, the book “Short stories of the 20th century” bringing together works by five outstanding Uzbek writers, is an important step in promoting Uzbek literature internationally.

“In Uzbekistan, translation activities receive significant attention at the state level. Translating the best examples of Uzbek literature into foreign languages and world literary works into Uzbek contributes to strengthening international cultural ties. Today’s book is a practical result of these efforts,” the translator noted.

Dictionary author Toshmirza Kholmirzayev emphasized in his speech that the goal of compiling the dictionary is to further strengthen the historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between the two peoples.

“In Uzbekistan, great attention is paid to literature and translation, supporting young translators, and developing a reading culture. If our Uzbek-Urdu dictionary helps translators in their work and benefits young people studying languages, then we will have achieved our goal,” he said.

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khichi, highlighted in his speech the importance of the “Uzbek model” of reforms aimed at modernizing society, improving public welfare, and preserving cultural heritage.

“During my visits to Uzbekistan, I personally witnessed the results of the reforms and the achievements attained. Undoubtedly, positive changes in the neighboring region, especially in Uzbekistan, are also reflected in our country. Uzbekistan’s experience in preserving cultural heritage and respecting the contribution of ancestors to world civilization can serve as an example for Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan highly values the cultural, educational, and historical initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan,” the minister emphasized.