Professor Dr Adam Saud

ISLAMABAD, Feb 4 (APP): The upcoming visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on February 5-6 is being seen as a logical continuation of the intensified Uzbek-Pakistani dialogue in recent years. At the same time, it has been termed as an important step in implementing Uzbekistan’s foreign policy strategy, focused on expanding cooperation with South Asian countries.

The visit takes place against the backdrop of the formation of a new regional connectivity architecture, in which Central and South Asia are increasingly perceived as complementary regions, united by shared economic interests, historical ties, and civilizational roots.

Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence on December 20, 1991. The establishment of diplomatic relations on May 10, 1992, laid the institutional foundation for bilateral engagement. However, a qualitatively new stage in the development of relations began in recent years, when political dialogue acquired a systematic and strategic character.

A key milestone was the signing of the Joint Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership in July 2021, which formalized the mutual interest of both sides in deepening cooperation across a wide range of areas.

In March 2022, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Pakistan confirmed the alignment of strategic approaches between Tashkent and Islamabad on regional development, stabilization in Afghanistan, and the expansion of economic ties between Central and South Asia.

Regular contacts between the leaders of both countries at multilateral forums have also played an important role. The SCO Summit in Samarkand in September 2022, meetings within the framework of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), as well as global climate and economic summits, have contributed to the establishment of a trusting and pragmatic dialogue.

The official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 was of particular significance. Following the visit, a Joint Declaration and a Protocol on the Establishment of a High-Level Strategic Partnership Council were signed. The creation of this mechanism provided a stable institutional foundation for Uzbek-Pakistani relations and opened opportunities for systematic coordination of bilateral initiatives and monitoring the implementation of agreed commitments.

Political dialogue at the highest level, particularly through the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, occupies a central place in the structure of Uzbek-Pakistani relations. Regular inter-ministerial political consultations enable the alignment of positions on key regional and international issues, including security, sustainable development, and reform of multilateral institutions.

The Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan and Pakistan maintain an active dialogue both bilaterally and within international organizations such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Mutual visits and meetings facilitate the practical implementation of agreements reached at the highest level and help form a common stance on regional stability issues.

In June 2025, a bilateral Action Plan was signed, outlining specific measures to develop political, trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. This document serves as a tool to transition from political declarations to the practical implementation of joint projects.

Overall, inter-agency cooperation covers a broad spectrum—from financial and economic collaboration to the coordination of special representatives on Afghanistan—making bilateral relations genuinely comprehensive and multifaceted.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan actively cooperate within international and regional organizations, promoting the principles of multipolarity, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. Cooperation within the SCO and ECO is considered a key element in strengthening regional stability and economic integration. The two countries demonstrate closely aligned approaches on sustainable development, climate agenda, food security, and peace. Particular attention is given to Afghanistan, where Tashkent and Islamabad consistently advocate for a political-diplomatic settlement and Afghanistan’s integration into regional economic processes.

Inter-parliamentary cooperation also deserves special attention. Regular contacts between parliamentary delegations, the operation of friendship groups, and the exchange of legislative expertise contribute to aligning legal systems and creating a favorable regulatory framework for expanding economic and investment cooperation.

In April 2025, a Pakistani delegation led by the Chairman of the Senate, Yusuf Raza Gilani, visited Uzbekistan and participated in the 150th Anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The Pakistani delegation was also received by the President of Uzbekistan. In September of the same year, an Uzbek parliamentary delegation headed by the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber, Nuriddinjon Ismoilov, visited Pakistan for productive meetings in the Parliament and relevant ministries and agencies.

The economic dimension of Uzbek-Pakistani relations demonstrates sustainable positive dynamics. Both sides have set clear targets to increase bilateral trade to 2 billion USD. By the end of 2025, bilateral trade reached 445.8 million USD, reflecting steadily growing trust between the business communities of the two countries.

The trade structure reflects the complementarity of the two economies. Uzbekistan exports agricultural products, cotton yarn, chemical goods, and transport services, while Pakistan supplies pharmaceuticals, textiles, food products, and light industry goods. At the same time, trade is viewed merely as a starting point for deeper industrial and investment cooperation.

Priority areas in this context include pharmaceuticals, textiles, and leather industries. Establishing joint ventures and localizing production are seen as effective mechanisms to increase added value and access third-country markets.

The development of transport and logistics cooperation is of strategic importance. Uzbekistan places particular emphasis on access to Pakistani ports—Karachi and Gwadar—which opens new opportunities for diversifying foreign trade routes.

A key cooperation project is the Trans-Afghan Railway, implemented trilaterally by Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The signing of a framework agreement in July 2025 marked an important step toward the practical implementation of the project, which can significantly reduce transportation time and costs, while strengthening economic connectivity between Central and South Asia.

Tourism has also become one of the fastest-growing areas of Uzbek-Pakistani interaction. In 2024–2025, mutual tourist flows showed steady growth, facilitated by visa liberalization, the restoration of direct flights, and active promotion of tourist potential.

For instance, in February 2025, only one weekly flight connected the two countries, whereas today Tashkent, Islamabad, and Lahore are linked by four weekly flights. As a result, coupled with Uzbekistan’s substantial potential in ziyarat tourism, the number of Pakistani tourists visiting Uzbekistan, which totaled 5,400 in 2024, increased 3.3 times in 2025, exceeding 18,000. In this context, tourism has become a promising area of economic cooperation, generating a multiplier effect for the economy.

Promising areas include cultural and educational tourism, ziyarat tourism, and the development of joint tourist routes targeting South Asian markets.

Cultural and humanitarian ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are based on deep historical roots, particularly linked to the Baburid era. Shared historical and cultural heritage serves as an important factor in bringing peoples closer and strengthening mutual trust.

It is noteworthy that Uzbekistan’s ongoing transformative processes attract sustained interest from Pakistan’s expert community and public circles. The policy of large-scale reforms under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is viewed by Pakistani analysts as a significant and largely unique model of modernization, combining institutional reforms, economic liberalization, and an active foreign policy. A tangible example of this interest is the book by Pakistani journalist and writer Muhammad Abbas Khan, “Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance – A Concept of the Future”. In October 2025, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad, in cooperation with the media holding Daily Ittehad, organized a presentation of this literary and journalistic work, written in Urdu.

In recent years, cooperation between think tanks in both countries has also intensified, fostering joint approaches to regional processes and forming a long-term vision for bilateral cooperation.

Representatives of Pakistani culture and arts traditionally participate in major international cultural events held in Uzbekistan. Conversely, Pakistan increasingly hosts festivals, presentations, and exhibitions highlighting Uzbekistan’s historical and cultural heritage, tourist potential, and contemporary development.

The implementation of large-scale cultural, tourism, and informational projects, establishment of direct regular flights, and the organization of business forums have led to a significant increase in cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Thus, the upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan is expected to give a new impetus to the development of the strategic partnership, the expansion of economic and transport-logistics cooperation, and the deepening of humanitarian ties. Undoubtedly, it will reaffirm the mutual commitment of both sides to building sustainable connectivity between Central and South Asia and strengthening the role of the two countries as responsible participants in regional and global processes.

The writer is a Professor of International Relations at Bahria University, Islamabad, Pakistan.