ISLAMABAD, Monday, September 29, 2025 (WNP): The Pakistan–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), led by Convener Syed Rafiullah, MNA, on Tuesday held a meeting with a delegation from the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan at Parliament House, Islamabad.

Welcoming the delegation, Syed Rafiullah recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence and noted that bilateral ties have since expanded across politics, economy, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. He underscored the importance of greater parliamentary exchanges and highlighted constructive collaboration in multilateral forums such as the SCO, ECO, OIC, and the UN.

The PFG stressed that enhanced parliamentary engagement would strengthen cultural, educational, and economic cooperation, while contributing to long-term regional peace and stability.

Speaking on behalf of the Uzbek delegation, Maksudbek Kurbonboyev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Economic Affairs, thanked National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for his invitation and warm hospitality. He recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan as a landmark moment that led to the signing of 80 agreements, and emphasized the need to translate them into practical outcomes.

Kurbonboyev observed that Pakistan’s cultural heritage and historical sites bear strong similarities with Uzbekistan’s traditions, underscoring common historical roots. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest, adding that parliamentary diplomacy is vital for advancing bilateral understanding.

Both sides reaffirmed their determination to work together for the effective implementation of agreements signed between the two countries.

The Pakistani side of the PFG included MNAs Malik Shakir Bashir Awan, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Natasha Daultana, Sofia Saeed Shah and Haji Rasool Bux Chandio.

The Uzbek delegation comprised Maksudbek Kurbonboyev, Bakhtiyor Pulatov (Deputy Chairman, Committee on Ecology and Environmental Protection), Sevara Ubaydullayeva (Member, Committee on Labor, Health and Social Affairs), and Navruzbek Yusupov (Member, Committee on the Development of Democratic Institutions and Civil Society).