Media Briefing Session- Diplo Insights —By Hassan Raza
Islamabad — The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan hosted a high-profile Media Briefing Session in Islamabad, welcoming leading representatives from Pakistan’s print, broadcast, and digital media to share a comprehensive update on the state and future of bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations.
In his opening remarks, the Uzbek Ambassador warmly welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the purpose of the gathering was to inform the Pakistani public—through its media—about the dynamic progress, strategic vision, and multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
“Our partnership is rooted in shared history, culture, religion, and mutual respect,” the Ambassador noted, “and we are committed to expanding our cooperation in politics, economy, trade, investment, transport, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.”
High-Level Political Dialogue: A Strategic Leap Forward
Over recent years, Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations have witnessed significant momentum, driven by the political will of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
A landmark moment came during Prime Minister Sharif’s official two-day visit to Uzbekistan on 25–26 February 2025, which resulted in the signing of a Joint Declaration and a Protocol establishing a Strategic Partnership Council—a move set to institutionalize long-term, multifaceted cooperation at the highest level.
Several other agreements were concluded during the visit, covering science and technology, youth policy, vocational education, interior affairs cooperation, national information agency partnerships, and sister-city relations between Tashkent and Lahore.
The leaders also underscored their mutual commitment to accelerate the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, connecting Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—an initiative seen as a game-changer for regional trade and connectivity.
High-level engagements have continued throughout 2025, including meetings on the sidelines of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankendi on July 4 and parliamentary diplomacy exchanges during the 150th Anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in April.
A major milestone in connectivity was reached on 17 July 2025 in Kabul, when transport ministers from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan signed a framework agreement for a joint feasibility study on the UAP Railway Project.
Trade and Economic Cooperation: Toward a $2 Billion Target
Economic ties have emerged as a central pillar of Uzbek-Pakistani relations.
In 2024, bilateral trade surpassed $400 million, and the first half of 2025 saw a 123% year-on-year growth, reaching $253.7 million. The number of joint ventures with Pakistani investment in Uzbekistan now stands at 130.
The Ambassador stressed the ambitious target of raising trade volumes to $2 billion in the near future, with steps underway to:
Expand the Preferential Trade Agreement from 17 to 100 product categories. Establish a joint transport and logistics company to leverage Karachi and Gwadar ports for global market access.
To promote business partnerships, Uzbekistan organized three major exhibitions in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi in 2025, generating over $120 million in trade deals. Additionally, Uzbekistan-Pakistan Trade Houses were opened in Lahore and Karachi to strengthen B2B engagement.
Cultural, Humanitarian, and Tourism Cooperation: Strengthening People-to-People Bonds
Cultural diplomacy remains a key driver of bilateral goodwill. Uzbekistan has eased visa requirements for Pakistanis and launched new direct flights:
Tashkent–Lahore (second weekly flight commenced April 2, 2025) Tashkent–Islamabad (launched June 14, 2025)
Joint cultural events have flourished, including Uzbekistan’s participation in Islamabad’s Lok Mela Festival, charity bazaars, Nowruz celebrations, and tourism roadshows across Pakistan. Academic exchanges have also expanded, with Namangan State University hosting promotional events in Lahore.
Pakistani ministers and officials have actively engaged in Uzbekistan-hosted international forums on climate change, cultural heritage, and legal cooperation. Youth engagement was highlighted through the Uzbekistan-Pakistan Young Entrepreneurs Forum and symbolic initiatives like the Central Asia Tour 2025, where 16 Pakistani bikers journeyed through Uzbekistan and neighboring countries to promote regional friendship.
10 Reasons to Invest in Uzbekistan
The Ambassador concluded by urging Pakistani businesses to seize emerging opportunities in Uzbekistan, citing:
• Stable, business-friendly environment.
• Attractive tax regime.
• Affordable utilities.
• Abundant natural resources.
• Shared cultural and historical heritage.
• Strong government support for investors.
• Special Economic Zones with incentives.
• Diverse sector opportunities (textiles, IT, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
• Strategic location with regional market access.
• Skilled, competitive workforce.
Outlook
Uzbekistan and Pakistan are on a decisive path toward an elevated strategic partnership, driven by political commitment, economic synergy, and deep cultural ties. Both governments have pledged to work toward not only meeting but exceeding their shared ambitions, with significant developments expected before the end of 2025.
“We warmly invite you to visit Uzbekistan, explore its opportunities, and be part of the journey toward a more connected and prosperous future,” the Ambassador concluded.
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