By Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad
Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations are centuries old. Both countries share history, culture, religion, and traditions. Samarkand and Bukhara, located in Uzbekistan, were once major centers of Islamic learning, influencing scholars in the Indian subcontinent. The Silk Road played a dynamic role in trade and cultural interactions between the two regions, with merchants, scholars, and Sufi saints traveling between them. Another significant historical link between both states is that the first Mughal emperor, Zaheer ud Din Babar, was from Uzbekistan. Although during the Cold War, Pakistan was aligned with Western hemisphere but diplomatic interactions still existed. After the disintegration of Soviet Union in 1991, when Uzbekistan gained independence, Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize Uzbekistan and establish formal diplomatic ties with it. Since then, both nations have maintained cordial and fraternal relations and they have always stood by each other. They have consistently supported each other at international forums and have worked together on regional and global issues. The people of both countries deeply respect each other. The Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations are based on trust, respect for each other, understanding, and commonalities, whether it be religion, history or culture. Over the years, high-level exchanges and official visits have helped strengthen diplomatic and political cooperation between the two governments.
Both countries have always shown steadfast commitment to further deepen the bilateral relations by enhancing trade, connectivity and people to people contact. One such example is the upcoming visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Pakistan. Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Bakhtiyor Saidov, has confirmed the visit of President of Uzbekistan in February 2026. The visit of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev comes at a very crucial time because both countries are eager to expand their cooperation in new and meaningful ways. Both Pakistan and Uzbekistan are well aware of their potential in trade, transportation, energy, tourism, regional connectivity, and several other areas. This visit is expected to give fresh momentum to ongoing efforts and help translate goodwill into practical results.
Trade and economic partnership lie at the heart of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations. The bilateral trade is very positive and it has been rising continuously up to nearly $450 million by 2025 and to further enhance the trade, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have accelerated efforts to expand their Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and push bilateral trade to $2 billion within two years. Both countries have shown strong determination to increase bilateral trade and investment. Since Uzbekistan is a landlocked country, so, Pakistan offers Uzbekistan an easy access to warm-water ports while Uzbekistan is resource rich country with growing economy. So, both countries complement each other so well. Improved trade routes and better connectivity will benefit not only these two countries but the entire region will also be benefited from this partnership. The upcoming visit of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev will surely result in new agreements and MoUs that will help boost trade volumes and encourage private sector cooperation.
Since both Pakistan and Uzbekistan advocate for connectivity and regional integration, so these are also expected to be key topics during the visit. Pakistan sits at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East while Uzbekistan is situated at the heart of Central Asia. Strengthening roads, rails, and transit links can greatly enhance regional trade and economic activity. Although Pakistan and Uzbekistan are already working on various connectivity agreements and projects, for instance Pakistan-Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway project, but further working on the projects aimed at improving transportation and logistics will help bring the people and markets of both countries closer together.
Another key area which is very likely to be discussed during the upcoming visit of Uzbek President to Pakistan will be energy cooperation. Energy is a promising area where both countries can work together. Uzbekistan is highly skilled and experienced in energy production, while Pakistan on the other hand, is looking to diversify its energy sources to support economic growth. So, collaboration in energy projects will help Pakistan meet its needs and at the same time, new opportunities will be offered to Uzbek companies and experts.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan, both, are culturally rich countries. Cultural and traditional values are something that bring both nations closer to each other. Similarly, when we take a look at history, we come to know about how some cities of present-day Uzbekistan used to be the centers of learning. Against this backdrop, cultural and educational exchanges have always played a special role in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations. Education, research, and cultural heritage carry great significance in both countries. That’s why, the visit of His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev is likely to encourage greater cooperation between universities, think tanks, and cultural organizations. Whether it be student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, or cultural events, they all help strengthen people-to-people ties and promote better understanding between the younger generations.
A very important area of discussion will be tourism. Tourism is a key sector because it creates employment opportunities, results in economic growth, people-to-people connectivity, and better understanding of diverse cultures. Uzbekistan is home to historic cities renowned for their architecture and cultural significance, while Pakistan offers stunning landscapes, historical sites, and rich traditions. Thus, collaboration in tourism industry will help enhance visitor exchanges between two countries and also enable people to experience and learn about each other’s culture directly. It will strengthen boost economic growth also.
The visit is also important from a regional peace and stability perspective. Pakistan and Uzbekistan always support peace, development, and prosperity in the wider region. Both countries firmly believe that one should address regional challenges through negotiations and cooperation. With this vision, when Pakistan and Uzbekistan will work together, they will contribute to greater stability and economic progress in neighboring regions also.
In conclusion, the upcoming visit of the Uzbek President His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan will be a huge development in Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations. It is the reflection of both countries’ determination to deepen their friendship and explore new possible areas of collaboration. The visit will strengthen political ties, it will expand economic partnerships, and also bring the people of Pakistan and Uzbekistan even closer.
Pakistan is looking forward to welcome President His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly and with open arms. This visit gives a strong sense of optimism and hope. It is not only a symbol of long-standing friendship but it also promises better, brighter and more cooperative future. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are actually in position to turn this historic visit into lasting benefits for both nations and the wider region.