ISLAMABAD
Habib Rafiq Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. (HRL), one of Pakistan’s leading conglomerates in construction, engineering, infrastructure and real estate development, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Khorezm Region of Uzbekistan to initiate the process of developing a new smart city as part of the expansion of the historic city of Khiva.
The landmark agreement marks an important step toward sustainable urban development in the Khorezm Region, with the proposed project expected to create new opportunities for investment, innovation, economic growth and regional connectivity, said a release issued here on Monday. The MoU was signed at the Governor’s Office in Urgench, the provincial capital of Khorezm Region. Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram signed the agreement on behalf of Habib Rafiq Engineering, alongside H.E Alisher Dushanov, Deputy Governor of Khorezm Region.
The initiative was spearheaded by Mr. Zahid Rafiq, Chairman of HRL Group, and Mr. Jahanzaib Zahid, Vice Chairman of HRL Group, reflecting their vision of strengthening regional connectivity, economic cooperation and sustainable development among friendly countries. HRL brings extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure, real estate and smart city development to the proposed project. In Pakistan, the company has played a key role in major urban developments, including Capital Smart City Islamabad, spanning approximately 14,500 acres, and Lahore Smart City.
The group has also undertaken major infrastructure, housing, industrial and urban development projects in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Sahiwal and Islamabad. The proposed Khiva smart city seeks to combine modern infrastructure and technology with the preservation of the city’s rich cultural and historical identity. With more than 2,500 years of history, Khiva is one of Central Asia’s most significant historic cities and a major cultural destination.
Under the envisioned development, HRL plans to bring its expertise in smart urban planning, infrastructure, transportation networks, utilities and sustainable city solutions to Uzbekistan and the
broader Central Asian region. The project is envisioned as more than a conventional urban expansion. It aims to create a modern, sustainable and well-connected urban environment while respecting Khiva’s extraordinary heritage and creating new opportunities for residents, businesses, investors and future generations.
HRL expressed its appreciation to the Government of Khorezm Region for its confidence and cooperation and said it looks forward to working closely with Uzbek authorities to translate the ambitious vision into reality. The company also extended special appreciation to His Excellency Laziz Kudratov for his continued support and encouragement of foreign companies operating in Uzbekistan, which has contributed to greater international cooperation and investment.
The initiative is also aligned with the broader vision of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, to accelerate modernization, sustainable development and international partnerships across the country. The proposed smart city development in Khiva could represent a significant new chapter in Pakistan- Uzbekistan economic cooperation, bringing together Pakistan’s infrastructure expertise and Uzbekistan’s growing drive toward modern, sustainable urban development. — DNA
