By Khawaja Hamza

KARACHI, Direct flights between Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent and Pakistan’s largest city Karachi have officially commenced, with Centrum Air launching the new air service to further strengthen connectivity between the two countries.

The first Centrum Air flight arrived at Karachi Airport from Tashkent at 4:20 a.m. local time on September 3. The airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft was given a traditional ceremonial water-cannon salute upon arrival, marking the launch of the new direct route.

A welcoming ceremony was held at Karachi Airport and attended by representatives of the Sindh provincial administration and local government authorities, members of the diplomatic corps in Karachi, officials from the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation, representatives of airlines and tour operators, as well as members of the media.

Addressing the ceremony, representatives of the Sindh provincial government welcomed the launch of the direct flight, describing it as another practical step by Uzbekistan toward bringing the two brotherly peoples closer together.

They said the new air connection would help increase tourist flows, facilitate travel and promote business diplomacy between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

With the launch of the Tashkent–Karachi service, the total number of direct flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has risen to eight per week, providing enhanced air connectivity for tourists, business communities and other travelers between the two countries.