ISLAMABAD, November 6. /Dunyo IA/.  Pakistani media outlets have published a series of articles highlighting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential, particularly that of Namangan Region and the “Heritage of Pilgrimage” program featuring pilgrimage tourism routes, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Articles entitled “Namangan Invites Pakistani Tourists to Uzbekistan through the “Heritage of Pilgrimage” Tourism Routes Program” have appeared on the websites of the “Associated Press of Pakistan” and “Global News Pakistan”, in the newspapers “The Nation”, “World Tribune Pakistan” and “Pakistan Observer”, as well as on the online platforms “Media Online Today”, “Newz Todays”, “The World News”, “Margalla Tribune”, “Pakistani News” and “Daily The Patriot”. Articles have also been shared on social media, including Facebook page of “The Nation”, Facebook and Instagram page of “Global News Pakistan”.

Publications note that Uzbekistan’s rich historical and spiritual heritage, its sacred sites and culture are attracting considerable interest among foreign tourists. To attract more pilgrims from Muslim countries, a programme of tourism routes entitled “Heritage of Pilgrimage” has been developed in Namangan Region. “Program, developed at the initiative of the Namangan Regional Administration, is designed to introduce foreign tourists to the region’s rich religious, historical and cultural heritage. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to visit sacred pilgrimage sites, but also to gain a deeper insight into the centuries-old history of the Fergana Valley, its national traditions and spiritual values”, publications state.

Routes cover historical monuments and pilgrimage sites across various districts and cities of the region. Key destinations include the “Aksikent” Archaeological Park in Turakurgan District; “Bibiona Mazar” in Chust District; the “Sultan Uvays Qaraniy” and “Bibi Naima Ona” pilgrimage sites in Chortoq District; the “Mothers’ Tears” Complex in Pop District; the “Eleven Ahmad” pilgrimage site in Davlatabad District and the “Mulla Kyrgyz Okhund” Complex in Namangan city. “Program also encompasses more than 20 other major pilgrimage sites and cultural heritage attractions across the region”, Pakistani media outlets note.

For Pakistan, where the majority of the population is Muslim, Namangan’s pilgrimage sites may hold particular appeal. Uzbekistan and Pakistan share common religious values, a rich historical heritage, deep respect for great scholars and longstanding spiritual traditions. “From this perspective, the programme will serve as an important guide to taking tourism and cultural cooperation between the two countries to a new level”, Pakistani media outlets write.