ISLAMABAD, October 27. /Dunyo IA/. The Embassy of Uzbekistan organized an interactive event dedicated to Uzbek Language Day on October 21, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event brought together linguists from leading higher education institutions in Pakistan, independent language researchers, members of the public, media representatives, and members of the Uzbek diaspora.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tokhtaev, delivered a congratulatory address on the occasion of Uzbek Language Day. He emphasized that the Uzbek language is a vital symbol of the nation’s cultural identity, national heritage, and state sovereignty. The Ambassador highlighted the language’s significant role in both public and governmental life and outlined the broad reforms being implemented to further develop and promote the state language in Uzbekistan.

He also recalled that October 21, 1989, marks a landmark date in Uzbek history, when the Uzbek language was officially recognized as the state language — a milestone representing a major step in the nation’s cultural awakening and path toward spiritual and linguistic independence.

"On October 21, 1989, the Uzbek language was officially granted the status of the state language. This date is not only a celebration of the language, but also a day marking the revival of our national identity, cultural heritage, and spiritual values. The Uzbek language stands as a symbol of national unity and pride, and it is also a crucial component of the country’s international image and diplomacy", - said the Ambassador of Uzbekistan.

In his address, the diplomat highlighted the historical and linguistic proximity between Uzbek and Urdu. "There are over 4,000 cognate words shared between Uzbek and Urdu,- he noted. - This is not a coincidence, but a vivid reflection of the centuries-old historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between our peoples. The shared elements of our languages serve as a foundation for future common prosperity and mutual understanding".

Mian Fazal Ilahi, Editor-in-Chief of "Diplomatic Focus" magazine, in turn shared his views on the influence of the Uzbek language on regional culture and literature.

"Until now, the influence of Uzbek culture and literature on South Asia has not been fully explored. Nevertheless, the scholarly and literary heritage of Uzbek thinkers, including Alisher Navoi and Zahiriddin Babur, has always been recognized as playing a pivotal role in shaping Urdu literature, poetry, and history. Today, a key task before us is to restore the historical bonds between our peoples and to intensify literary and cultural connections through joint scholarly events and projects", - said Mian Ilahi.

Ali Raza Alvi, researcher of the Urdu language and Editor at the international desk of Pakistan’s "Associated Press of Pakistan", emphasized that promoting dialogue between linguists from the two countries, translating exemplary Uzbek literary works into Urdu and rare Urdu publications into Uzbek, producing films, and cooperating in other mutually beneficial directions will help increase mutual awareness among the peoples, particularly the younger generations.

Other participants at the event also highly appreciated the Uzbek government’s policies on national language and culture, noting that organizing such events abroad strengthens friendship between nations and fosters mutual cultural understanding.