{"id":29058,"date":"2026-02-08T04:13:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T04:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/?p=29058"},"modified":"2026-02-08T04:13:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T04:13:29","slug":"uzbekistan-strengthens-its-strategic-partnership-with-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/?p=29058","title":{"rendered":"Uzbekistan strengthens its strategic partnership with Pakistan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Uzbek envoy says both countries working to boost trade to $2 billion, develop new transport and logistics links, including the Trans-Afghan Railway, and strengthen people-to-people contacts<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>On the eve of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s state visit to Pakistan, Uzbekistan\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tokhtayev, highlighted the rapid expansion of bilateral ties, describing Pakistan as a key partner in Central and South Asia. In an exclusive interview with The Nation, he outlined how relations deepened since 2017 through intensified political dialogue, growing trade and investment, enhanced parliamentary and diplomatic engagement, and expanding cooperation in tourism, education and culture. He said both countries were working to boost trade to $2 billion, develop new transport and logistics links, including the Trans-Afghan railway, and strengthen people-to-people contacts, expressing confidence that the upcoming summit will open a new chapter in the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Dear Alisher Hakimovich, let us begin our conversation with your views on the history and stages of development of Uzbekistan\u2013Pakistan relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Uzbekistan and Pakistan have long been connected by shared historical roots, traditional ties of friendship, common religion, and similarities in customs and cultural values. In recent years, these commonalities have become especially evident and have turned into a driving force behind the development of socio-economic as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan committed to deepening trade, industrial cooperation with Uzbekistan: Jam Kamal<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Pakistan, one can find many elements of Uzbek culture and way of life. It is well known that the territory of present-day Pakistan was once part of the Mughal Empire founded by our great ancestor, the military commander and statesman Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. The Mughal legacy can be seen in many regions of Pakistan, particularly in the city of Lahore. Gardens, fortresses, mosques, and madrasahs, as well as water facilities built during that period, have become an integral part of Pakistan\u2019s cultural heritage. The people of Pakistan take pride in this legacy and hold the Mughals in high esteem. In this sense, historical interconnectedness and shared heritage serve as a solid foundation for the development of modern relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uzbekistan is geographically located at the heart of Central Asia and shares borders with all countries of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan, in turn, occupies a strategically important logistical position. Transport corridors of major strategic importance pass through its territory, providing access to the Indian Ocean. These corridors represent vital arteries for transportation links between the world\u2019s most populous countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, Pakistan holds a central geographical position in South Asia. In this context, Uzbekistan and Pakistan can serve as a unique bridge between Central and South Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistani exhibitors shine at Sichuan\u2019s New Year Shopping Festival<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would also like to emphasize another important aspect: both Uzbekistan and Pakistan are lands of great civilizations. We share deep historical roots and numerous similarities. Most importantly, today we are good friends and reliable partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Although Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan\u2019s independence, a noticeable intensification in bilateral relations has been observed after 2017. What can you say about this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Indeed, Pakistan was one of the first countries in South Asia to recognize Uzbekistan\u2019s independence on May 10, 1992. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is true that in the period before 2017, relations developed rather modestly, and the two countries did not fully utilize the existing potential. However, after Shavkat Mirziyoyev was elected President of Uzbekistan, relations with Pakistan were also reviewed, and specific measures were defined to elevate cooperation in all areas to a new level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During mutual visits at the highest level, a solid foundation was created for the development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. A number of intergovernmental documents were signed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, relations between the two countries have been significantly strengthened. Political dialogue at the highest and high levels has intensified, and trade-economic as well as cultural-humanitarian cooperation has expanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this regard, it is worth noting that on September 15\u201316, 2022, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, paid a visit to Uzbekistan to participate in the SCO Summit held in the city of Samarkand. Within the framework of this visit, negotiations were held with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The year 2025 was of particular significance for Uzbekistan\u2013Pakistan relations. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, paid an official visit to Uzbekistan on February 25\u201326. This visit elevated the partnership between the two states to a new stage. The Joint Statement on Deepening Multifaceted Cooperation, signed by the parties, outlined priority areas for the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 How do you assess the current state of inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation between foreign policy agencies in Uzbekistan\u2013Pakistan relations?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 It should be noted with particular satisfaction that inter-parliamentary dialogue, as well as interactions at the level of ministries, agencies, and sectors between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, have become more active, and exchanges have taken on an effective character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, several visits to Uzbekistan by the leadership of the Lower House and the Senate of the Parliament of Pakistan have been organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In September 2025, the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Nuriddin Ismoilov, and in December, a delegation of our country led by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Sodiq Safoev, paid visits to Pakistan. The activities of the friendship groups established between the parliaments of the two countries are also becoming more active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bilateral political consultations between the foreign policy agencies of Uzbekistan and Pakistan are considered an important mechanism of cooperation. In particular, in order to support political dialogue, the foreign policy agencies of the two countries are effectively utilizing the eighth round of bilateral political consultations held in Tashkent in February 2025, as well as dialogue mechanisms within the framework of major international events. It is planned to hold the next round of political consultations in Islamabad later this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 One of the important areas of cooperation is trade, economic, and investment partnership. Are Uzbekistan and Pakistan fully utilizing their potential in this area?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Pakistan is becoming one of Uzbekistan\u2019s important trading partners among the countries of South Asia. Bilateral trade turnover indicators have demonstrated steady growth since 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan mainly imports legumes, yarn, cereals, onions, peanuts, and transport services from Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, in turn, purchases pharmaceutical products, citrus fruits, potatoes, textile industry products, soap, and other goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, the confidence of Pakistani investors in Uzbekistan has also been steadily increasing. Currently, 176 joint enterprises with the participation of Pakistani capital are operating in Uzbekistan. In cooperation with major Pakistani companies such as Novugen Pharma, Nurin Pharma, Hero Brands, and Diamond Group, investment projects have been implemented in the regions of our republic, particularly in the Syrdarya, Tashkent, and Namangan regions, as well as in the city of Tashkent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By sector, the main share of enterprises falls within the industrial, services, and agricultural sectors. In particular, industrial production capacities include textiles, chemicals, food processing, leather industry, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, in November 2024, the 9th meeting of the Uzbekistan\u2013Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation was held in the city of Tashkent. It is planned to hold the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission in the city of Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of systematic efforts, bilateral trade volumes have demonstrated dynamic growth over the past eight years, with the total volume increasing almost twelvefold. As of December 1, 2025, this figure amounted to USD 434.3 million. In accordance with high-level agreements, concrete measures have been defined to increase mutual trade turnover to USD 2 billion in the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be noted that the most-favored-nation regime has been established in mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, and a \u201cPreferential Trade Agreement\u201d has been signed. Under this agreement, tariff preferences have been introduced for many commodity items. Within the framework of this agreement, the parties are maintaining continuous dialogue on expanding the nomenclature of goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooperation in the field of industrial cooperation is also developing at a rapid pace. Exhibitions of industrial products under the brands \u201cMade in Uzbekistan\u201d and \u201cMade in Pakistan,\u201d as well as \u201cNational Food Fest\u201d food exhibitions, are regularly held, and mutual visits of business delegations are being organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, Uzbek specialists, together with their Pakistani partners, are continuing efforts to develop alternative logistics routes between Central Asia and Pakistan, in particular the construction of the \u201cTrans-Afghan\u201d railway connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, as well as the establishment of logistics centers in the territories of both countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to its strategic location, developed transport infrastructure, and existing free trade agreements with neighboring countries, Uzbekistan can serve as an important gateway for Pakistani businesses to access the Central Asian market with a population of 80 million. In turn, Pakistan serves as a vital bridge for Uzbek businesses seeking to expand their presence in the markets of South Asian countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Mr. Ambassador, how do you assess the current state of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the field of tourism, and in general, how do Pakistanis perceive Uzbekistan\u2019s rich heritage?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Alongside various areas of cooperation with Pakistan, we pay special attention to tourism. This is because the tourism experience of Uzbekistan and Pakistan is highly attractive and beneficial, which is no secret to anyone. It should be emphasized that Uzbekistan is increasingly becoming an appealing tourist destination for Pakistanis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that Uzbekistan and Pakistan have introduced a simplified visa regime for tourists. We support increasing the exchange of tourists between the two countries and further expanding cooperation among tour operators, hotel owners, and business representatives working in this sector in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It should be noted that both Uzbekistan and Pakistan possess high potential and significant opportunities for the development of tourism and the attraction of tourists. The land of Uzbekistan, which in its time was one of the cradles of Islam, with its ancient historical monuments and rich heritage, has become an important destination for pilgrimage tourism for Pakistanis. Uzbekistan is also considered attractive from the perspective of developing relations in the field of pilgrimage tourism. Pakistanis likewise approach with great respect the heritage of our great thinkers, such as Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Bahauddin Naqshband, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the unique historical monuments of ancient cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Shahrisabz, and Tashkent, there are numerous pilgrimage sites in other regions of our country as well, which may also be of interest to Pakistani tourists. From this perspective, issues related to transport connectivity between the two countries deserve special attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In accordance with the agreements reached during the visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Uzbekistan, direct flights connecting Tashkent and Islamabad were launched. Currently, the national airline \u201cUzbekistan Airways\u201d operates four flights per week between Tashkent and Islamabad and between Tashkent and Lahore. To date, more than 30,000 passengers have used these air services. Referring to specific figures, in 2025 alone, nearly 17,000 Pakistani citizens visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry officials emphasize that our opportunities for the mutual promotion of tourism products and services, as well as for the implementation of joint projects in this area, are very substantial. In short, the development of tourism relations between our countries has become one of the key issues on our agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Your views on Uzbekistan\u2013Pakistan relations in the fields of education and culture are also important to us\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Education continues to be another important area of bilateral cooperation. Effective partnership relations have been established between the educational and scientific institutions of the two countries. Today, more than two thousand Pakistani citizens are studying at higher education institutions of Uzbekistan in such fields as medicine, pharmaceuticals, tourism, ICT, and other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Efforts are ongoing to launch exchange programs between the universities of the two countries, share experience, allocate grants, and organize various seminars and training sessions aimed at improving the qualifications of professors and lecturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The leather industry is quite well developed in Pakistan. In this field, the Gujranwala Institute of Leather Technologies, which trains qualified specialists, has announced the allocation of scholarships for citizens of Uzbekistan. In addition, the \u201cUzbekistan\u2013Pakistan Growth Gateway\u201d has been opened at GIFT University in Gujranwala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that courses on the Urdu language, literature, and the history of Pakistan have been taught at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies for nearly 75 years has been playing an important role in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Pakistan as well, demand for learning the Uzbek language and history has increased sharply, and projects in this area are being implemented at an accelerated pace. It should be noted that the holding of joint cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, and forums has become a regular practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In February 2021, the Babur Heritage Center was opened at Punjab University with the aim of studying the life and legacy of the great ancestor of the Uzbek people. At Peshawar University, a center named after Alisher Navoi was established. The center is actively contributing to the further popularization of Uzbek culture in Pakistan. Scholars from Uzbekistan and Pakistan are showing great interest in jointly studying the heritage of the Baburid dynasty. In this regard, we are working together with the Pakistan Muslim Institute on the establishment of a cultural center. Another noteworthy development is that in the near future, a film dedicated to the life of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, produced through the cooperation of filmmakers from the two countries, will be presented to the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2025, three important books dedicated to the activities of the President of Uzbekistan were presented to the general public in Islamabad: \u201cUzbekistan: The Third Renaissance \u2013 The Concept of the Future\u201d by Muhammad Abbas Khan, \u201cShavkat Mirziyoyev: Great Leader of Reforms and Regional Integration\u201d by Mehmood ul-Hasan Khan, and \u201cNew Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u201d authored by Kudratilla Rafiqov. This indicates a growing interest in Uzbekistan among representatives of Pakistan\u2019s scientific and academic circles. In December of last year, the photo exhibition \u201cUzbekistan Through the Eyes of Pakistani Photographers\u201d was organized, and festivals of national cuisine are also being held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Final question: what outcomes do you expect from the upcoming high-level Uzbekistan\u2013Pakistan summit and the events to be held within its framework?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 I am firmly convinced that the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Pakistan and the high-level dialogue will elevate the warm and friendly relations between our countries to a qualitatively new stage and will serve to activate bilateral cooperation that possesses high yet untapped potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within the framework of the visit, the signing of a number of intergovernmental documents, as well as agreements in the trade and economic, investment, and cultural and humanitarian spheres, is expected. Islamabad will become an important venue for holding a business forum of the business communities of the two countries. During the forum, it is planned to discuss several promising projects for joint implementation and to reach relevant agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, the upcoming visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan will open a new chapter in bilateral relations based on centuries-old friendship, mutual trust, and understanding in the fields of politics, security, trade, economy, investments, transport connectivity, tourism, education, innovation, culture, and people\u2019s diplomacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reference Link:- https:\/\/www.nation.com.pk\/05-Feb-2026\/uzbekistan-strengthens-strategic-partnership-pakistan<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Uzbek envoy says both countries working to boost trade to $2 billion, develop new transport and logistics links, including the Trans-Afghan Railway, and strengthen people-to-people contacts On the eve of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev\u2019s state visit to Pakistan, Uzbekistan\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tokhtayev, highlighted the rapid expansion of bilateral ties, describing Pakistan as a key […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29059,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[4527,2076,11208,483,20253,26792,26791,26675],"class_list":["post-29058","post","type-post","status-publish","format-aside","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sample-category","tag-connectivity-2","tag-economy-2","tag-investment-2","tag-pakistan-2","tag-partnership-3","tag-strategic-relations-2","tag-uzbek-ambassador-to-pakistan","tag-uzbekistan-2","post_format-post-format-aside"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29058","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=29058"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29058\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29060,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29058\/revisions\/29060"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/29059"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=29058"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=29058"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=29058"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}