Islamabad (GNP): Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad held a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence, drawing senior government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders, and showcasing the deepening strategic relationship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari attended as chief guest. In his welcome remarks, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador thanked the minister for attending, describing his presence as reflective of the friendship and strong partnership between the two countries.
The Ambassador outlined the sweeping changes Uzbekistan has undergone over the past decade under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting that the country’s reform agenda has centered on human dignity, economic growth and greater international openness.
He cited figures showing poverty had fallen from 35 percent to roughly 4 percent, while higher education enrollment had climbed to 1.6 million students, saying that university education for children is now a realistic goal for many Uzbek families rather than an unattainable dream.
He described the current state of Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations as among the most productive in their shared history, pointing to President Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan earlier this year and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s reciprocal visit to Tashkent, which led to the creation of a High-Level Council of Strategic Partnership and the signing of 30 bilateral agreements. He credited the personal rapport between the two leaders as a key driver behind the expanding relationship.
The Ambassador also congratulated Pakistan on taking over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), affirming Uzbekistan’s full backing for Pakistan’s leadership role in advancing regional stability and cooperation.
He highlighted the two countries’ target of raising bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years, noting progress on connectivity, with weekly flights between the two nations expected to rise to nine by October 2026, including new routes to Karachi. He also spoke about the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project, describing its potential to serve as more than a transport link — envisioning it as a broader bridge connecting Central and South Asia.
Speaking at the event, Minister Leghari underscored the strength and growth of Pakistan-Uzbekistan ties, noting that the two countries would also mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in May 2027. He said the relationship had matured over three decades into a partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared interests and deep historical and cultural connections, giving fresh momentum to cooperation across trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, science, technology and culture.
He pointed to the visits of Prime Minister Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and President Mirziyoyev to Pakistan in February 2026 as having further energized the partnership, along with the numerous agreements and MOUs signed across sectors including trade, mining, IT, education, agriculture, maritime affairs and defence.
Leghari said the two countries’ economic partnership holds substantial potential, and that achieving their trade targets would require continued efforts to connect business communities and encourage investment and joint ventures. He noted that Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshed Khodjaev is expected to visit Pakistan soon to sign a five-year roadmap for economic cooperation.
As Federal Minister for Power, Leghari said he saw particular opportunity for expanding cooperation in the energy sector, suggesting the two countries could collaborate more closely on energy infrastructure, electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower and investment, while exchanging expertise on building resilient and sustainable energy systems. He said stronger energy ties could become an important pillar of the broader bilateral partnership and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of both nations.
The evening included traditional Uzbek cuisine and a cultural performance meant to bring a taste of Uzbekistan to Islamabad. The Ambassador closed his remarks by reflecting on the enduring bond between the two nations, expressing hope that the friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan would continue across generations and that the two countries would always stand together in friendship, prosperity and brotherhood.
Also read: President felicitates Uzbek President on 35th Independence Day
The reception concluded with a toast to the Republic of Uzbekistan and to the lasting partnership between the two countries.
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.
