Cooperation Between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the Cultural Sphere Is Entering a New Stage

In today’s globalized world, cooperation between states is not limited solely to political and economic dimensions, but is also increasingly strengthened through cultural ties. From this perspective, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the field of culture plays an important role in developing friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are united by an ancient history, a rich cultural heritage, and shared religious and spiritual values. Both nations are among the important centers of Eastern civilization and have made significant contributions to world civilization in the fields of literature, art, architecture, and science. Therefore, cultural cooperation has been developing as a natural and logical process.

In relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, cooperation in the cultural sphere occupies an important place. The two countries are connected by common historical roots, a rich cultural heritage, and shared spiritual values. In recent years, cooperation in this area has been developing consistently on the basis of a strong legal framework.

The legal basis for cooperation in the cultural sphere between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is defined by the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Healthcare, Science and Technology, Personnel Training, Tourism, Sports, and Mass Media,” signed on June 27, 1992. This Agreement has served as an important legal foundation for implementing cultural exchanges and expanding cooperation in the fields of art and creativity between the two countries. As a logical continuation of this document, during the official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Uzbekistan on July 15–16, 2021, the “Program of Cultural Exchange for 2021–2026 between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the National Heritage and Culture Division of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan” was signed.

Within the framework of these legal foundations, cooperation in the cultural sphere has risen to a new practical level. In particular, the participation of a Pakistani creative group in the International Cultural Forum “Central Asia at the Crossroads of World Civilizations,” held in Khiva on September 14–16, 2021, as well as in the II International Festival of the Art of Bakhshi, held in Nukus on September 17–21, clearly demonstrated the intensification of bilateral cultural ties.

On March 3–4, 2022, within the framework of the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, the opening of the Uzbekistan Corner at the “Lok Virsa” Museum in Islamabad became an important practical step toward the mutual promotion of the cultures of the two nations.

In subsequent years, cultural exchanges continued consistently. The participation of a Pakistani delegation led by Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan A. Muqam in the International “Lazgi” Dance Festival held in Khiva on April 25–30, 2022, and in the III International Festival of the Art of Bakhshi held in Guliston on May 5–8, 2023, further strengthened cultural cooperation. In 2024, the participation of Pakistani representatives in the international festivals “Lazgi” held in Khiva, “Maqom Art” held in Zomin district, and “Sharq Taronalari” held in Samarkand also indicated the expanding scope of cooperation.

In April 2025, Pakistani representatives took part in the International Festival of the Art of Bakhshi held in Khiva. In addition, the participation of Pakistan’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Aurangzeb Khan, in the events held in Samarkand on May 26–28, 2025, dedicated to “Samarkand City – the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2025,” demonstrated that cultural cooperation has reached a high level.

In conclusion, cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the cultural sphere is based on a solid legal foundation and is developing steadily through practical initiatives. This cooperation serves to further strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations, preserve their rich cultural heritage, and pass it on to future generations.