Islamabad : A virtual meeting of the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group was held. The meeting was convened under the convenorship of Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan from Pakistan’s side, while the Uzbek members of parliament under the Convenorship, Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov, attended via video link. Senator Kamran Murtaza, Miss Misbah Khar (Advisor to Chairman Senate and Secretary of the Friendship Groups), and the Ambassador of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, also participated in the meeting held at Parliament House, . Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce were present as well.
During the meeting, the Uzbek side highlighted the historical, cultural, economic, and social ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov congratulated Pakistan on the successful hosting of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference in Islamabad and appreciated the role of Chairman Senate, Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, and Misbah Khar in promoting parliamentary dialogue and cooperation. Talking about the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (IPC), he praised the theme of the conference “Peace, Security and Development” and its relevance in Pak-Uzbek relations. The Uzbek delegation reiterated the longstanding commitment of both countries to strengthening parliamentary collaboration and emphasized its role in enhancing socio-political, cultural, and economic relations. They further noted that the purpose of the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group extends beyond parliamentary cooperation and includes fostering people-to-people contact through increased trade, investment, and educational partnerships.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Convenor from Pakistan, welcomed the participants and underscored the vast potential for deepening trade, cultural, and mutual defence and security ties, particularly in the context of shared regional challenges. He stressed the need for joint efforts to create a conducive environment for trade, investment, and regional stability. He also emphasized the importance of regional connectivity and Pakistan’s strong interest in the development of the Trans-Afghan Pakistan Railway—an essential project for Central Asia–South Asia connectivity. Senator Afnan further highlighted the value of cultural events to promote people-to-people interactions, given the shared cultural and historical heritage of the two nations. He reaffirmed the commitment of both brotherly countries to work together for regional peace, security, and development through enhanced cooperation.
Senator Afnan Ullah also noted the rising trade volume between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and the mutual resolve to gradually increase bilateral trade to USD 2 billion annually. He outlined significant investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical, agriculture, defence, textile, and tourism sectors, emphasizing their considerable potential for economic cooperation. He also appreciated the ongoing efforts toward tax integration between the two countries aimed at facilitating trade and reducing investment barriers.
Miss Misbah Khar, Advisor to the Chairman Senate, highlighted shared challenges and emerging opportunities in the areas of trade, development, and security. She praised the recent visit of the Deputy Chairman of Oliy Majlis Uzbekistan, Senator Sodyq Safoev, and noted the commencement of direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a reflection of the deepening relationship and mutual commitment to cooperation. Contextualizing the group meeting with the theme of IPC, she emphasized the common goal of both nations and the key value of peace, security and development for bilateral ties.
The meeting was lauded as a constructive step toward a shared future and enhanced parliamentary cooperation. Both sides agreed to regular parliamentary, business, and educational exchanges to further strengthen cultural, political, and trade relations. Uzbek Convenor congratulated Miss Misbah Khar on successful conducting of so needed IPC and praised her role for promotion of parliamentary diplomacy. Senator Afnan Ullah extended an invitation to the Uzbek delegation to visit Pakistan, while Uzbek parliamentarians invited the Pakistani Parliamentary Friendship Group to visit Uzbekistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral ties and expressed strong parliamentary support for cooperation in all areas, including culture, history, trade, development, and regional peace.
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.
