35th Independence Day of Uzbekistan
By Naveed Ahmad Khan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said Pakistan and Uzbekistan have vast potential to further expand cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower, energy infrastructure and investment.
He was addressing a large gathering as chief guest at a reception marking the 35th Independence Day of Uzbekistan, held at the Mövenpick Hotel Islamabad.
The event was attended by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Sardar Yasir Ilyas, Prime Minister’s Advisor and National Coordinator on Tourism, Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Pakistan Mr Atadjan Movlamov, senior government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and other distinguished guests.
Sardar Awais Leghari warmly felicitated Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the government and people of Uzbekistan on the occasion and conveyed Pakistan’s best wishes for the country’s continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress.
He said Pakistan deeply admired the achievements of the Uzbek people and valued the historic bonds between the two countries, which were rooted in shared Islamic culture, civilization and traditions.
Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence, while the two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1992, he noted. He added that Pakistan and Uzbekistan would also mark the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in May 2027.
The minister said bilateral relations had evolved into a strong partnership based on mutual respect, shared historical and cultural values and common interests. Cooperation between the two countries had expanded into several areas, including trade, investment, energy, regional connectivity, education, science and technology, agriculture, culture and defence.
Leghari said the relationship had gained fresh momentum in recent years following the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan in February 2026.
He said the signing of various agreements and memoranda of understanding in sectors including trade, mining, information technology, education, agriculture, maritime affairs and defence reflected the growing depth and diversity of bilateral cooperation.
Highlighting the potential for further economic partnership, the minister said Pakistan and Uzbekistan had set an ambitious target for increasing bilateral trade. He stressed the need to facilitate greater interaction between the business communities of the two countries and encourage investment and joint ventures to achieve the target.
“As Federal Minister for Energy, I particularly see significant scope for expanding cooperation in the energy sector,” Leghari said.
He noted that the two countries could enhance collaboration in energy infrastructure, electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower and investment. He also emphasized the importance of sharing expertise and experiences in developing resilient, efficient and sustainable energy systems.
The minister said connectivity was equally central to the shared vision of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He pointed out that Pakistan could provide Uzbekistan with access to the Arabian Sea and international markets, while Uzbekistan could offer Pakistan greater access to the growing markets of Central Asia.
Uzbekistan Highlights Reform and Development Achievements
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev welcomed federal ministers, diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and distinguished guests. He described their participation as a reflection of the friendship, mutual respect and strong partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The ambassador said Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991 following the determination of its people, while its statehood and civilization stretched back more than 3,000 years.
He highlighted Uzbekistan’s contribution to world civilization through renowned scholars and thinkers, including Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad al-Fergani, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek and Alisher Navoi. He said the legacy of Amir Temur also remained an important symbol of the country’s statehood and development.
The ambassador said Uzbekistan was building on its rich historical heritage while pursuing an open, modern and prosperous future. Over the past decade, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country had undertaken wide-ranging reforms focused on human dignity, economic development and social welfare.
According to figures presented by the ambassador, Uzbekistan’s poverty rate had declined from 35 percent in 2017 to around four percent, while more than 650,000 families had gained modern homes.
He said expansion of preschool and higher education had also remained a major priority, with the number of university students reaching 1.6 million. Uzbekistan was simultaneously investing in science, innovation and modern technology while promoting its Islamic and cultural heritage.
The envoy highlighted the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and renovated memorial complexes dedicated to eminent Islamic scholars, saying these were being developed as centres for research and for highlighting the peaceful and humanistic values of Islam.
Stronger Bilateral Ties and Connectivity
Ambassador Tukhtaev described Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations as being in one of the most active periods in their history, rooted in shared faith, culture, traditions and centuries-old links.
He said recent high-level exchanges had provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations. The establishment of the High-Level Council of Strategic Partnership had created a new framework for cooperation, while 30 bilateral documents were signed during President Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan in February 2026.
The ambassador also welcomed Pakistan’s decision to confer its highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev, describing the honour as a powerful expression of Pakistan’s respect for the Uzbek leader and the special bond between the two nations.
On bilateral trade, he said the two countries had set an ambitious target of increasing trade to $2 billion within five years. He said efforts were focused on expanding investment, strengthening banking cooperation, establishing trade houses and improving the movement of goods between the two countries.
The ambassador said air connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan was also expanding. Direct passenger services currently connect Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while cargo flights had also been launched. With additional routes, including Karachi, the number of weekly flights was expected to reach nine by October 2026.
He described the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as a particularly important regional connectivity project. Uzbekistan viewed the railway as a potential bridge between Central and South Asia that could increase trade, create employment opportunities and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
Congratulating Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Economic Cooperation Organisation, Ambassador Tukhtaev assured Uzbekistan’s full cooperation in promoting regional connectivity, stability and sustainable development.
The reception also featured Uzbek culture, cuisine, music and traditional hospitality, providing guests with an insight into the country’s rich cultural identity and heritage.
Concluding his address, the ambassador expressed hope that the friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan would continue to strengthen and endure for generations.
“May peace, progress and prosperity always be with the two brotherly countries,” he said, concluding with a tribute to Uzbekistan, its people and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
