Pakistan-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Strengthened Through Roadmap for Regional Integration

TASHKENT,Uzbekistan : Pakistan and Uzbekistan have underscored their commitment to regional stability and integration during a high-level road table discussion hosted at the International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent. The event, titled “Uzbekistan – Pakistan: Connecting Regions and Creating New Opportunities,” was organized with the support of the Pakistan Embassy in Uzbekistan and brought together officials from government ministries, business leaders, policy analysts, and academic representatives.

The dialogue highlighted the progress in bilateral relations, particularly since the formalization of strategic partnership in 2021, which elevated Pakistan-Uzbekistan ties to a new stage. The partnership now spans political dialogue, trade and economic relations, investment flows, and cultural and human exchange programs.

The discussion also reflected on the February 2025 official visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan, which deepened cooperation across trade, transport, science, education, culture, and security, and set the framework for ambitious bilateral goals, including raising two-way trade to $2 billion. In 2025 alone, bilateral trade grew by $400 million, positioning Uzbekistan as an increasingly important trade partner for Pakistan.

To reinforce economic collaboration, two significant institutional initiatives were highlighted: the Uzbek-Pakistan International Trading Center and the Uzbek-Pakistan Cultural Center in Karachi. These platforms aim to promote industrial and agricultural products while strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.

Transport and logistics cooperation was identified as a key pillar of the partnership. The Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Trans-Afghan Railway project was discussed as a strategic corridor with the potential to connect Central and South Asia, facilitating trade and regional integration.

During the road table, participants discussed actionable steps to advance trade, transport, education, science, culture, and tourism, alongside strengthening ties between analytical, academic, and business communities of both countries. The meeting also produced practical recommendations for incorporating these initiatives into high-level diplomatic agendas and expanding Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asian countries.

The event emphasized that the Pakistan-Uzbekistan partnership is evolving into a trust-based, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial bridge. The Tashkent road table marks a significant step toward deepening this strategic partnership and unlocking new regional opportunities.