Tashkent (TDI): Tashkent hosted a roundtable titled “Uzbekistan – Pakistan: Bridging Regions and Creating New Opportunities” at the International Institute for Central Asia on Friday.
Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan in Uzbekistan, the event brought together officials from government ministries, business leaders, academics, and analysts.
In recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reached a new high. The formalization of a strategic partnership in 2021 marked a significant milestone, reflecting closer political dialogue, expanded trade and investment, and intensified cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The momentum was further strengthened during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025, where both sides signed key agreements covering trade, transport, science and education, culture, and security.
Bilateral trade turnover was targeted to reach $2 billion, a goal underscoring the growing economic ties between the two countries. Last year, mutual trade reached $400 million, highlighting Pakistan’s increasing importance as a trade partner for Uzbekistan.
Institutional efforts to deepen cooperation have included the opening of the UzbekPak International Trading Centre and the UzbekPak Cultural Centre in Karachi. These platforms promote not only industrial and agricultural products but also cultural exchanges, strengthening the people-to-people connection.
Read More: Pakistan, Uzbekistan Commit to Enhancing Economic Cooperation
Transport and logistics cooperation remains a key focus. The Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Trans-Afghan railway project is seen as a strategic corridor linking Central and South Asia. Additionally, agreements to expand air cargo services between Tashkent and Karachi, including the shipment of agricultural goods, are already taking practical shape.
During the roundtable, participants explored concrete ways to elevate the strategic partnership to a new level, with discussions covering trade, transport, education, science, culture, and tourism. The meeting also emphasized closer collaboration between analytical, academic, and business communities in both countries.
Read More: Pakistan, Uzbekistan Reaffirm Close Cooperation Across Sectors
Practical recommendations were prepared for the agenda of upcoming high-level dialogues, alongside new initiatives aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asia.
In essence, the Uzbekistan–Pakistan partnership is increasingly becoming a bridge of trust and shared interests. The Tashkent roundtable represents an important step in strengthening this partnership and opening fresh avenues for regional cooperation.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
