Trade target of $2 billion, expanding air connectivity and Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway offer new opportunities, says Uzbek envoy
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (WNP): Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev on Tuesday said relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are entering one of the most active and successful periods in their history, with the two brotherly countries moving towards a stronger strategic partnership based on shared history, faith, culture and common interests.
Addressing a reception marking the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, Ambassador Tukhtaev said the establishment of the High-Level Council of Strategic Partnership, the signing of 30 bilateral documents during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s State Visit to Pakistan and the growing political trust between the leaderships of the two countries had opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
He said the friendship and trust between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif remained a key driving force behind the expanding Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership.
The Ambassador particularly appreciated Pakistan’s decision to confer its highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev, describing it as a sincere expression of Pakistan’s respect for Uzbekistan and the special friendship between the two nations.
Referring to the recent meeting of the two leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Tukhtaev said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing existing agreements and further strengthening their strategic partnership.
He congratulated Pakistan on assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and said Uzbekistan was ready to work closely with Pakistan to promote regional connectivity, practical cooperation, peace, stability and sustainable development.
The Ambassador said the two countries had set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years, with efforts underway to facilitate investment, establish trade houses, strengthen banking links and improve the movement of goods.
He said direct air connectivity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan was expanding rapidly. Regular passenger flights now connect Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while cargo services have also been launched. With additional routes, including Karachi, the number of weekly flights is expected to reach nine by October 2026, further promoting trade, tourism and people-to-people contacts.
Tukhtaev described the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as one of the most important projects for the future, saying it could serve as a bridge between Central and South Asia, connect markets, create employment, increase trade and contribute to regional peace and shared prosperity.
He said Pakistan had a special place in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and was regarded not only as an important regional partner but also as a brotherly country sharing a common vision of peace, connectivity and development.
The Ambassador reaffirmed that the Uzbek Embassy would continue working with Pakistan’s government, Parliament, business community and cultural institutions to translate the political commitment of the two countries’ leadership into tangible benefits for their peoples.
Highlighting Uzbekistan’s progress since independence in 1991, Tukhtaev said the country had undergone major reforms under President Mirziyoyev, with emphasis on human dignity, education, economic development, regional cooperation and openness to the world.
He said Uzbekistan’s poverty rate had declined from 35 per cent in 2017 to around 4 per cent, while the number of university students had reached 1.6 million. He also highlighted the country’s efforts to preserve its Islamic and cultural heritage, including the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and renewed memorial complexes associated with great Islamic scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari.
The Ambassador said Uzbekistan’s ancient civilization and the contributions of scholars including Al-Khwarizmi, Al-Farghani, Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek and Alisher Navoi formed an important part of the common heritage of the Muslim world.
He concluded by expressing the hope that the friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan would continue from generation to generation and remain a source of peace, prosperity and brotherhood.
“Pakistan-Uzbekistan Dosti Hameesha Zindabad,” he said.
