2 min read
Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to significantly expand their economic relationship, setting an ambitious goal to raise bilateral trade to $2 billion in the next five years. This commitment came during the official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Islamabad, marking another step forward in the growing partnership between the two countries.
President Mirziyoyev was given a formal welcome at the Prime Minister’s House, followed by separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and delegation-level talks. Discussions were focused on trade, investment, regional connectivity, education, and cultural cooperation, alongside key regional and global developments.
Officials from both sides highlighted the long-standing historical and cultural links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, noting that shared heritage and people-to-people ties have always provided a strong base for diplomatic relations. However, both countries agreed that economic cooperation has yet to reach its full potential.
A major development during the visit was the operationalization of the High-Level Strategic Consultative Council (HLSCC), which was formed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Tashkent in February last year. The council is expected to play a central role in ensuring that decisions taken at the leadership level translate into practical outcomes.
Regional connectivity remained a key focus of the talks. Progress on further improving road, rail, air, and maritime links was reviewed, with particular attention given to the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. This project is seen as a potential game-changer, offering Central Asia a direct access to Pakistani ports and opening new trade routes t region.
Beyond trade, the visit witnessed the exchange of 29 agreements and memorandums of understanding covering areas such as energy, mining, defence, agriculture, information technology, health, tourism, education, research, maritime cooperation, and sports. In a symbolic gesture reflecting deepening ties, Tashkent Street and Babur Park were inaugurated in Islamabad.
