DNA
ISLAMABAD, SPET 1– The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad hosted a grand reception this evening to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s independence. The event, attended by senior government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, and business leaders, highlighted the robust and expanding strategic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Energy, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his welcome address, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador extended heartfelt gratitude to Minister Leghari, describing his presence as a “clear sign of the friendship, respect, and strong partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.”
A Message of Reform and Progress
In his remarks, the Ambassador detailed the sweeping transformations witnessed in Uzbekistan over the past decade under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He emphasized that the country’s reforms are centered on human dignity, economic growth, and international openness.
Key figures shared during the speech included a significant reduction in poverty from 35% to approximately 4% and a dramatic increase in higher education enrollment, which now stands at 1.6 million students. “For millions of Uzbek families, higher education for their children is no longer only a dream; today, it is a real opportunity,” the Ambassador noted.
A New Chapter with Pakistan
The Ambassador characterized the current state of Uzbekistan-Pakistan relations as “one of the most active and successful periods in their history.” He reflected on the landmark state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan earlier this year and the reciprocal visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Tashkent, which resulted in the establishment of a High-Level Council of Strategic Partnership and the signing of 30 bilateral agreements.
Highlighting the personal rapport between the two leaders, the Ambassador stated, “The friendship and trust between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif are the main driving force behind the growing relations between our countries.”
The Ambassador also congratulated Pakistan on assuming the Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), reaffirming Uzbekistan’s full support for Pakistan’s leadership in fostering regional stability and cooperation.
Connectivity and Trade Ambitions
A key focus of the address was the ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion within the next five years. The Ambassador noted rapid progress in direct connectivity, with weekly flights between the two countries set to increase to nine by October 2026, including routes to Karachi.
He spotlighted the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project as a transformative initiative, stating: “Uzbekistan believes that this railway can become much more than just a transport route. It can become a bridge between Central and South Asia.”
Cultural Celebrations and Fraternal Bonds
The evening featured traditional Uzbek cuisine and a cultural performance, aiming to bring a “small part of Uzbekistan” to Islamabad. The Ambassador concluded his speech by emphasizing the enduring fraternal ties between the two nations.
“May the friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan pass from generation to generation,” he said. “May our two nations always stand together—in friendship, in prosperity, and in brotherhood.”
The event concluded with a collective toast to the Republic of Uzbekistan and the enduring partnership between the two brotherly countries.
