Two talented Pakistani chefs, Amina Basit and Sadaf Waseem, who are representing Pakistan and its rich culinary heritage at the Samarkand Pilaf Festival 2025, were honored as state guests by the host nation, Uzbekistan. In a warm gesture of hospitality and cultural appreciation, senior Uzbek officials arranged an exclusive and guided tour for the chefs to two of Samarkand’s most historically significant landmarks — the Mausoleum of Doniyor Payğambar (Prophet Daniel) and the Ulugh Beg Observatory.

The visit served as a powerful cultural exchange, connecting food with history and tradition. At the Mausoleum of Doniyor Payğambar, a revered site of spiritual significance, Pakistani chefs witnessed Uzbekistan’s dedication to preserving its sacred heritage. The next stop was the Ulugh Beg Observatory, one of the greatest scientific centers of the medieval Islamic world, highlighting the intellectual and cultural brilliance of Central Asia.

Amina Basit and Sadaf Waseem expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” that enhanced their understanding of Uzbek culture, Islamic history, and Central Asian legacy. They also emphasized the importance of such interactions in building bridges through gastronomy, history, and mutual respect.

Their participation in the Samarkand Pilaf Festival 2025 not only showcases Pakistani cuisine on an international platform but also strengthens cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. This recognition as state guests reflects the growing diplomatic and people-to-people connections between the two brotherly nations.