The Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated its “35th Independence Day in Islamabad” with a vibrant reception highlighting the country’s historic heritage, remarkable development and growing strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Uzbekistan marks 35th Independence anniversary, hails stronger Pakistan ties
ISLAMABAD, Sep 2 (APP):The Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated its “35th Independence Day in Islamabad” with a vibrant reception highlighting the country’s historic heritage, remarkable development and growing strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering here in a local hotel, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, H.E Alisher Tukhtaev welcomed federal ministers, diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and distinguished guests, describing their presence as a reflection of the “friendship, respect and strong partnership” between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991 following the determination of its people, but its statehood and civilization, the ambassador noted, stretch back more than 3,000 years.
The country takes particular pride in its contribution to world civilization through renowned scholars and thinkers including Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad al-Fergani, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek and Alisher Navoi, while the legacy of Amir Temur remains an important symbol of statehood and development.
The ambassador said Uzbekistan was building on this rich heritage while pursuing an open, modern and prosperous future.
Over the past decade, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the country has undertaken wide-ranging reforms focused on human dignity, economic development and social welfare, he said.
According to the figures presented, Uzbekistan’s poverty rate has declined from 35 per cent in 2017 to around 4 per cent today, while more than 650,000 families have gained modern homes.
He said that expansion of preschool and higher education has also been a major priority, with the number of university students reaching 1.6 million.
The country is simultaneously investing in science, innovation and modern technology while promoting its Islamic and cultural heritage.
The envoy said the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and renovated memorial complexes dedicated to eminent Islamic scholars are being developed as centres for research and for highlighting Islam’s peaceful and humanistic values.
The ambassador described Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations as being in one of the most active periods in their history, rooted in shared culture, faith, traditions and centuries-old links.
Recent high-level exchanges have given bilateral relations fresh momentum. The creation of the High-Level Council of Strategic Partnership has provided a new framework for cooperation, while 30 bilateral documents were signed during President Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan in February.
Alisher said that Uzbekistan also welcomed Pakistan’s decision to confer its highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev, calling it a powerful expression of Pakistan’s respect for the Uzbek leader and the special bond between the two nations.
On the bilateral trade, he said that the two countries have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years, with efforts focused on investment, banking cooperation, trade houses and improved movement of goods.
The Ambassador said that air connectivity is also expanding and direct passenger services now link Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while cargo flights have been launched. With additional routes, including Karachi, weekly flights are expected to reach nine by October 2026.
The proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway was highlighted as a particularly important project, with Uzbekistan viewing it as a potential bridge between Central and South Asia capable of boosting trade, creating jobs and promoting regional peace and prosperity, he said.
Congratulating Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Economic Cooperation Organisation, the ambassador pledged Uzbekistan’s full cooperation in promoting regional connectivity, stability and sustainable development.
The reception also showcased Uzbek culture, cuisine, music and traditional hospitality, offering guests a glimpse of the country’s rich cultural identity.
Concluding the address, the ambassador expressed hope that the friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan would endure for generations.
“May peace, progress and prosperity always are with the two brotherly countries,” he said, concluding with a tribute to Uzbekistan, its people and the enduring friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
