Pakistan and Uzbekistan Deepen Strategic Partnership
Islamabad and Tashkent have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade and economic ties, signaling a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. Recent high-level meetings and agreements underscore a growing collaboration encompassing political, economic, security, and regional cooperation.
The resolve to strengthen the relationship was highlighted during the 10th Session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, held in Islamabad. Co-chaired by Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, and his Uzbek counterpart, the session resulted in an agreement to deepen the strategic economic partnership, according to reports from .
A joint declaration signed by both countries further cemented this commitment, stating that the talks and agreements would “further strengthen the strategic partnership between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.” This declaration builds upon decades of cordial relations, with Pakistan being among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan following its independence in 1991 and establishing a diplomatic mission in Tashkent shortly thereafter.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently received a red carpet welcome in Pakistan, a gesture indicative of the importance both countries place on the burgeoning relationship. During his visit, President Mirziyoyev urged business communities from both nations to actively explore and capitalize on the full trade potential between Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed this sentiment, calling for the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries. These calls for increased collaboration come as both nations seek to revitalize historical connections dating back centuries.
The relationship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is rooted in a shared history along the Silk Road, a vital artery for trade and the exchange of ideas and culture. Cities like Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan served as major centers of learning, art, and scholarship, profoundly influencing the region’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Historical accounts detail the movement of Buddhist monks from Taxila and Peshawar in present-day Pakistan to Termez and other parts of Uzbekistan, fostering intellectual and spiritual exchange.
Today, this historical legacy is being leveraged through modern connectivity initiatives, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These projects aim to transform ancient pathways into modern corridors of trade, investment, and regional integration, emphasizing the importance of regional connectivity and cooperation.
The ties between the two countries are further reinforced by the Mughal dynasty, which originated in Central Asia. Babar, the first Mughal emperor, hailed from Uzbekistan and established the Mughal empire in northern India in 1526, maintaining close links with his homeland. Subsequent Mughal rulers continued this tradition, bringing scholars, artists, and architects from Central Asia to enrich the culture and art of South Asia, solidifying the enduring bond between the two regions.
The current push for deeper economic ties reflects a mutual desire for regional stability and development. The partnership is characterized by mutual respect, political engagement, and growing economic ties, positioning both Pakistan and Uzbekistan for increased collaboration in the years to come.
