ISLAMABAD: Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan is evolving into a strong bridge built on trust, pragmatism and shared interests. This was the key takeaway from a roundtable held at the International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent, in collaboration with the Pakistan Embassy in Uzbekistan.

Titled “Uzbekistan–Pakistan: Bridging Regions and Creating New Opportunities,” the event brought together representatives from relevant ministries, business circles, analytical centres and the academic community. Both sides set clear targets to increase bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion.

Last year’s rise in mutual trade volume to $400 million indicates that Pakistan is becoming an important foreign trade partner for Uzbekistan.

As part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, the opening of the UzbekPak International Trading Centre and the UzbekPak Cultural Centre in Karachi was described by speakers as an essential institutional step. These platforms serve not only to promote industrial and agricultural products but also to strengthen cultural ties between the two peoples.

Speakers noted that in recent years relations between the two friendly countries have risen to an entirely new level. In particular, the formalisation of a strategic partnership in 2021 signalled that bilateral ties had reached a qualitatively new stage, including in cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

The official visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 was highlighted as having provided strong momentum to this process. During the visit, important agreements were reached to deepen cooperation in trade, transport, science and education, culture and security.

Speakers also agreed that cooperation in transport and logistics is another priority area in Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations. The Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan Trans-Afghan railway project was described as having significant potential as a strategic transport corridor linking Central and South Asia.

In addition, agreements to develop air cargo transportation between Tashkent and Karachi, including the delivery of agricultural products, are gaining practical importance.

During the meeting, these issues were discussed in detail, providing an opportunity to develop approaches for a new qualitative stage of the strategic partnership and to advance concrete initiatives in trade, transport, education, science, culture and tourism. Special attention was paid to strengthening ties among the analytical, academic and business communities of both countries.

In addition, practical recommendations were developed for inclusion in the agenda of high-level dialogue, and new initiatives were proposed to enhance Pakistan’s cooperation with Central Asian countries.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2026