Independence Day of Uzbekistan celebrated

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 1 /DNA/ – The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Pakistan hosted a grand reception today to mark the 34th Anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence. The event was attended by a distinguished gathering including the Chief Guest, Federal Minister for Railways Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, and media representatives.

In his keynote address, His Excellency Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, reflected on the profound significance of Independence for the Uzbek people, describing it as “the heartbeat of our nation” and the realization of a dream to live in a free country under its own flag.

The Ambassador detailed the remarkable socio-economic achievements of Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, ushering in what he termed “the era of the New Uzbekistan.”

Key Economic Highlights Cited:

• Sustained Growth: The economy is growing at over 6% annually, with GDP doubling in the last eight years to $115 billion in 2023, and projected to exceed $130 billion this year.
• Investment Boom: $130 billion in foreign investments attracted over recent years, with $35 billion alone this year creating nearly 9,000 new enterprises.
• Export & Reserve Strength: Exports have reached $26 billion, and gold and foreign exchange reserves have surpassed $48 billion for the first time.
• Job Creation: An ambitious goal of creating 5.5 million new jobs in 2024 has seen 5 million people employed in just eight months. Notably, 700,000 Uzbek citizens working abroad have returned home, believing in the country’s future.
• Tourism surge: Hosted over 10 million tourists last year, generating $3 billion in revenue.

Ambassador Tukhtaev also highlighted the nation’s historic sporting achievement: “For the first time in history, the national football team of Uzbekistan has qualified for the World Cup!”

A significant portion of the address was dedicated to the growing strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The Ambassador emphasized that the two nations are bound by “centuries of shared history, culture, and spirituality,” which are now transforming into a robust modern partnership.

Key Bilateral Highlights:

• High-Level Engagement: The official visit of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2024 was a milestone, resulting in the signing of a Joint Declaration and a Protocol to establish the High Council of Strategic Partnership.
• Transformative Project: Collaborative work on the historic Trans-Afghan Railway project was highlighted as a game-changer for regional connectivity, linking Central Asia with South Asia.
• Trade Acceleration: Bilateral trade reached $404.5 million in 2024. In the first seven months of this year, trade turnover hit $320 million—a dramatic 126% increase compared to the same period last year. The leaders have set a ambitious target of $2 billion.
• People-to-People Ties: The simplification of the visa regime for Pakistani citizens and the establishment of direct flights between Tashkent-Lahore and Tashkent-Islamabad were noted as crucial steps in strengthening humanitarian bonds.

In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Tukhtaev expressed his deep gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their solidarity and friendship. The guests were treated to an evening of traditional Uzbek cuisine, music, and culture, experiencing the “living soul” of the nation.

The event underscored a shared commitment to a future of peace, prosperity, and deepened cooperation between the brotherly nations of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.