ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion within the next five years, while direct air connectivity between the two countries is expected to expand to nine weekly flights by October 2026, reflecting growing economic and strategic cooperation.
The announcement was made at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad to mark the country’s 35th Independence Day. The event was attended by Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, senior officials, diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders.
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev said the strong relationship between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was a key driver of expanding bilateral ties.
He said the two leaders had recently held another productive meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, reaffirming their commitment to implementing existing agreements and strengthening the strategic partnership.
The ambassador said Uzbekistan welcomed Pakistan’s assumption of the chairmanship of the SCO and Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and was ready to work closely with Islamabad to promote regional connectivity, peace, stability and sustainable development.
On economic cooperation, Tukhtaev said both countries were taking steps to achieve the $2 billion trade target, including stronger business-to-business contacts, investment facilitation, development of trade houses, improved banking links and easier movement of goods.
He noted that direct air connectivity had expanded significantly, with regular passenger services now linking Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, alongside direct cargo flights. With planned routes, including Karachi, the number of weekly flights is expected to rise to nine by October 2026.
The ambassador described the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as one of the most important projects for the future of regional connectivity. He said the project could connect Central and South Asian markets, increase trade, create employment and contribute to regional peace and shared prosperity.
Tukhtaev said Pakistan held a special place in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and was regarded as a brotherly country sharing a common vision of peace, connectivity and economic development.
He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s decision to confer its highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev, calling it a reflection of the close ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the event, Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Uzbekistan and sought to expand cooperation in energy, trade, investment and regional connectivity.
He said stronger transport links could unlock significant economic opportunities, while greater people-to-people and institutional exchanges would further strengthen bilateral relations.
The celebrations also coincided with Uzbekistan Tourism Days in Pakistan, aimed at promoting tourism and deepening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
Story by Tahir Amin
