Islamabad (TDI): In a detailed media briefing held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad, Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, touching on a wide spectrum of collaboration, from high-level political engagement and regional connectivity to trade, investment, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
The session, attended by representatives from Pakistan’s leading news outlets, aimed to inform the local media and public about the latest developments and future prospects of Uzbekistan-Pakistan cooperation.
Welcoming the attendees, the envoy praised the “brotherly ties” between the two countries, rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. He noted that relations have gained significant depth in recent years, thanks to the leadership and vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A key highlight of the session was the emphasis on sustained political dialogue. The Uzbek diplomat pointed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan in February as a turning point, during which several major agreements and MoUs were signed. These included cooperation in science and technology, youth policy, education, and the establishment of a Strategic Partnership Council between the two nations.
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The visit also underscored both sides’ commitment to the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, which seeks to enhance regional connectivity by linking Uzbekistan with Pakistan through Afghanistan, a move that promises vast opportunities for trade and integration across Central and South Asia.
Frequent leadership-level meetings, including recent engagements during the ECO Summit in Khankendi and the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, have reinforced the strategic nature of this partnership.
On the economic front, the Uzbek envoy shared that bilateral trade is showing steady upward momentum. In 2024, trade volume crossed $400 million, and within just the first half of 2025, trade reached $253.7 million, a 123% increase compared to the same period last year.
Uzbekistan is now Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia. There are 130 joint ventures operating with Pakistani capital in Uzbekistan, reflecting growing business confidence.
Three major exhibitions, held in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, helped generate trade agreements worth over $120 million. Trade houses have been launched in Lahore and Karachi to support exporters and facilitate direct business engagement.
Efforts are also underway to finalize a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to expand the list of zero or low-tariff items from 17 to 100. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is exploring greater use of Karachi and Gwadar ports for regional trade, with plans for a trilateral transit trade agreement involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In April this year, Uzbekistan’s Central Bank delegation visited Karachi to streamline payment and settlement mechanisms, holding meetings with Pakistan’s top commercial banks.
Cultural, Tourism, and Educational Exchange Flourishing
Beyond politics and trade, the Uzbek diplomat emphasized a robust agenda of cultural and humanitarian exchange. Events showcasing Uzbekistan’s tourism potential, cuisine, music, and traditional arts have taken place in Islamabad’s Lok Mela, Centaurus Mall, and the Silk Road Cultural Center.
Direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore (launched in April) and Tashkent and Islamabad (launched in June) are expected to significantly boost tourism and educational collaboration.
Academic visits, student exchanges, legal forums, and youth events have further strengthened people-to-people ties. The participation of Pakistani ministers in events such as the Samarkand Cultural Capital celebrations, Tashkent Law Spring, and International Climate Forum in Samarkand underscored the growing depth of bilateral cooperation.
In a symbolic gesture of friendship, a group of 16 Pakistani bikers embarked on a Central Asia tour, beginning from Islamabad on August 1, passing through Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, reflecting a new era of grassroots connectivity.
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Wrapping up the session, Tukhtaev urged Pakistan’s media and business community to take a proactive role in promoting the growing partnership. He highlighted ten key reasons to invest in Uzbekistan, from a business-friendly climate and low-cost utilities to strategic location, skilled workforce, and sector-specific opportunities in textiles, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, and IT.
He also reiterated Uzbekistan’s openness to Pakistani investors and visitors, encouraging them to explore the country’s rich history and untapped economic potential.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
