ISLAMABAD, October 15. /Dunyo IA/. Pakistani international relations expert, laureate of the 16th National Golden Pen Award, Khalid Taimur Akram, congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on Uzbek Language Day, celebrated on October 21, in an interview with Dunyo IA:

— The Uzbek language is a beautiful expression of Uzbekistan’s national identity and a reflection of its glorious past. The land of Uzbekistan has given the world great scholars, poets, philosophers, and thinkers, including Alisher Navoi, whose literary legacy strengthened the status of the Uzbek language, and Mirzo Ulugbek, whose contributions to science and astronomy continue to inspire humanity. Uzbekistan’s historic cities – Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva – are vivid symbols of the country’s outstanding contribution to world civilization.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan are brotherly nations bound by deep historical, cultural, linguistic, and spiritual ties. Our relations extend far beyond modern diplomacy, reaching back centuries to a shared history of trade, science, literature, Sufism, and the movement of peoples between Central and South Asia.

One of the most fascinating aspects of our shared heritage is the connection between the Uzbek language and Urdu. Urdu, our national language, has evolved over centuries under the influence of various linguistic and cultural traditions, including Persian, Arabic, Turkic languages, and the languages of the Indian subcontinent. Uzbek and Urdu share numerous words, expressions, and cultural references that reflect centuries of contact. It is often noted that approximately 5,000 words in Urdu are of Uzbek origin.

Our connections can be felt in everyday vocabulary, literature, poetry, music, hospitality, and customs. Words, verses, and traditions remind us that our peoples have been connected across many generations.

On this special occasion, I would like to emphasize that language is much more than a means of communication. It is the soul of a nation, a repository of collective memory, and a bridge between generations. Preserving and developing the Uzbek language means preserving the history, wisdom, and identity of the Uzbek people. In turn, gaining a deeper understanding of Urdu and Uzbek will help bring the younger generations of our countries closer together and enable them to better appreciate their shared heritage.

On the eve of Uzbek Language Day, I extend my admiration, respect, and fraternal greetings to the people of Uzbekistan. May the beautiful Uzbek language continue to flourish, may Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage inspire the entire world, and may the friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan grow stronger with each passing year.”