Pakistani Conglomerate Centaurus Expresses Interest in Turkmenistan's Equestrian Industry
Turkmenistan and Pakistan intend to explore new frontiers of cooperation in equestrian sports and international tourism. Key areas of joint work were discussed in Islamabad during a meeting between Turkmen Ambassador Atajan Movlamov and Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Advisor and National Tourism Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and CEO of Centaurus Group, the largest national conglomerate.
Diplomatic meeting at the headquarters of Pakistan's business flagship, emphasized the integration of the two countries' cultural and humanitarian potential through the equestrian industry and tourism exchange. The specifics of this year in Turkmenistan, which is marking the 35th anniversary of independence and the national equestrian heritage, have sparked significant interest on the Pakistani side. Particular attention was paid to the upcoming global event – the first-ever Akhal-Teke World Championship, which will be held from September 4 to 6, 2026, in the Netherlands.
A Pakistani businessman expressed his willingness to establish close ties between specialized institutes and equestrian organizations in the two countries. This includes holding joint events, exchanging professional experiences, and developing new tourist routes.
The choice of venue and negotiator underscores a pragmatic approach to developing ties: Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan is an influential figure in Pakistani business, responsible for the implementation of major development and hotel projects. The combination of his government status as tourism advisor and his private business capabilities creates a solid foundation for the rapid development of these initiatives into tangible commercial and cultural projects.
The conglomerate's very name, Centaurus, derives from the image of a mythical creature with the body of a horse and the torso of a human, a theme often played upon in the company's visual culture. While its core focus remains on development, premium hotels and retail, the group's chairman, as part of his role as Pakistan's National Tourism Coordinator and Advisor to the Prime Minister, is directly involved in the development of equestrian sports and equestrian tourism in the country.
