Since assuming office in October 2024 as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, H.E. Alisher Tukhtaev has emerged as a dynamic and visionary diplomat, deepening ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. His tenure is being marked by an impressive trajectory of bilateral cooperation spanning trade, energy, digital connectivity, climate action, cultural exchange, and strategic connectivity.
A sincere friend and an active representative of Uzbekistan’s enduring commitment to Pakistan, Ambassador Tukhtaev is widely regarded as the architect of a new era in regional diplomacy.On 13 March 2025, Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and conveyed warm greetings to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Ambassador Tukhtaev confirmed that President Mirziyoyev has accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to visit Pakistan later this year, with the visit to be scheduled through mutual consultation to boost further partnership and shared vision between the two brotherly nations.
Championing Economic Integration and Trade Expansion
Ambassador Tukhtaev has prioritized deepening economic linkages and expanding bilateral trade. Uzbekistan and Pakistan have reiterated their shared ambition to increase mutual trade volume to $1 billion in the near future, with a further aim of reaching $2 billion in 2025. The ambassador has played a pivotal role in identifying new areas of collaboration, particularly in industrial cooperation, banking and finance, transport, logistics, and trade facilitation. At the forefront of these efforts is the creation of joint economic initiatives and intergovernmental working groups to remove barriers in trade and investment.
His engagement with both the public and private sectors has catalyzed numerous business-tobusiness (B2B) and government-to-business (G2B) dialogues, including the successful hosting of the Uzbekistan–Pakistan Business Forum in Karachi on June 25 and proposals for a “Made in Pakistan” exhibition in Uzbekistan. Ambassador Tukhtaev has also been instrumental in encouraging Pakistani companies to explore Uzbekistan’s increasingly investment environment. Recognizing Pakistan’s industrial capabilities, he advocated for joint production ventures in pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction materials, and metallurgy. Such efforts are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and mutually beneficial economic partnership.
In a landmark meeting on July 11, 2025, with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ambassador Tukhtaev discussed comprehensive plans for energy cooperation, including the establishment of a Pakistan-Uzbekistan Energy Working Group highlighted mutual interests in oil and gas exploration, synthetic fuel research, and the development of joint ventures in polymers and energy training programs. Both sides are now working towards tangible outcomes that include Uzbek investment in Pakistan’s energy sector and increased knowledge-sharing between energy professionals.
Industrial and Digital Transformation Partnerships Ambassador Tukhtaev’s commitment to sustainable development has extended to industrial innovation and IT collaboration. During his meeting with Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries, the Ambassador discussed cooperation in e-commerce, SEZs, and construction technology. Proposals were also made for joint ventures in ferrous and non-ferrous metal extraction. In the digital sphere, his meeting on 27 May 2025 with Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja opened promising new doors. The two sides agreed on forming a Joint Working Group (JWG) for IT and telecom cooperation, with shared goals such as establishing a one-window digital services platform, fostering startup ecosystems, and supporting digital skills training, especially for women and youth. The ambassador emphasized Uzbekistan’s readiness to share its best practices in smart construction, housing development, water recycling, and IT education, reflecting his forward-looking approach to blending technological innovation with bilateral development goals.
Advancing Climate Action and Green Diplomacy
On May 23, Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik met with Uzbekistan’s Pakistan, Ambassador to Alisher Tukhtaev. During the meeting, Ambassador Tukhtaev proactively suggested enhancing climate cooperation between the two countries. One of the most visionary proposals he presented was the creation of a Green Corridor that would link Uzbekistan’s Green Valley with Pakistan’s Indus Valley. This corridor aims to host joint afforestation projects, climate ventures, and green economy initiatives extending across Central and South Asia. The proposal for a bilateral working group on climate change, along with plans for shared research, data exchange, and joint afforestation, underscores his strategic view of environmental diplomacy. His emphasis on climate cooperation is aligned with the global urgency to combat climate degradation while offering a regional model for sustainable development.
Boosting Transport and Regional Connectivity Ambassador
Tukhtaev has given significant impetus to regional connectivity initiatives. A major focus has been the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway project, which aims to establish efficient and secure transport corridors that benefit the entire region. The project envisions building logistics hubs, deploying digital freight management systems, and reducing cargo transit times and costs. His visit to Karachi Port Trust (KPT) on 27 June accompanied by a high-level Uzbek delegation, emphasized maritime cooperation. They explored investment opportunities in Pakistan’s blue economy and expressed interest in using Karachi’s port infrastructure to enhance Uzbekistan’s access to global markets. This initiative aligns perfectly with Pakistan’s goal of becoming a regional logistics hub and Uzbekistan’s aspiration for diversified trade routes.
Enriching Cultural & Public Diplomacy Ambassador
Tukhtaev also recognizes the power of cultural diplomacy. Under his leadership, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad has become a hub for cultural engagement. Events such as the “Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow 2025,” held on 18 April, and proposals for joint drama and film productions aim to bring the people of both countries closer together.
In his remarks at these events, the ambassador consistently highlights the shared cultural and historical heritage of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He draws parallels between Islamabad and the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, emphasizing their mutual roots in Islamic civilization. These cultural exchanges are deepening people-to-people ties and fostering goodwill on both sides. Another key milestone in enhancing connectivity and tourism is the launch of direct flights from Islamabad to Tashkent on June 14, in addition to existing routes from Lahore.
The ambassador has invited Pakistani airlines to operate in Uzbekistan, creating new avenues for tourism and business travel. Ambassador Tukhtaev has placed significant emphasis on educational diplomacy. Under his guidance, Uzbekistan and Pakistan are strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions through joint programs, student exchanges, and collaborative research. Negotiations are underway to formalize agreements in this domain, with both countries keen to cultivate long-term academic partnerships. He is actively engaging with intellectual and policymaking circles across Pakistan, participating in seminars, policy dialogues, and roundtables organized by leading think tanks and universities.
Whether it is fostering digital transformation, spearheading climate initiatives, promoting trade and energy partnerships, or deepening cultural understanding, Ambassador Tukhtaev’s contributions reflect a comprehensive and sustainable vision for bilateral cooperation. He is leading Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations with renewed dynamism, ensuring that they are not only resilient but also future-oriented. As both countries look toward a future marked by connectivity, mutual prosperity, and regional peace, the contributions of Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev will be remembered as pivotal in laying a solid foundation for a truly strategic and people-centered partnership.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram is the Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF).
