HRL Group Signs MoU to Develop Smart City in Uzbekistan's Historic, "Khorezm Region"
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.
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2026) 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