Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan from February 25 to 26, 2025, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, marked a defining moment in the long-standing relationship between the two nations. Laden with diplomatic engagements and economic deliberations, the visit underscored Pakistan and Uzbekistan’s shared vision for deeper regional connectivity, expanded trade, and strengthened cultural ties. More than a ceremonial handshake, this high-profile visit set the stage for a robust strategic partnership that could transform the regional economic landscape.
Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a deep historical connection dating back to the Mughal Empire, which had its intellectual and cultural roots in Central Asia. Today, this shared legacy is evolving into a dynamic, forward-looking alliance centered on economic cooperation and geopolitical interests. The discussions during the visit revolved around enhancing trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, with a particular focus on infrastructure development, industrial cooperation, and investment facilitation.
One of the most ambitious projects discussed was the Trans-Afghan Railway, a game-changer for regional trade that could provide Uzbekistan with direct access to Pakistani seaports, slashing transportation costs by up to 40% and unlocking new economic opportunities. The 573-km railway, expected to cost around $5 billion, is projected to significantly boost trade not only between Pakistan and Uzbekistan but across the broader Central and South Asian regions. If successfully implemented, this railway will not only bolster bilateral trade but also integrate the two regions into a more cohesive economic corridor. However, Afghanistan’s fragile security situation and the complex geopolitics of the region remain critical challenges. The question is whether Pakistan and Uzbekistan, along with Afghanistan’s interim government, can ensure the stability necessary to make this vision a reality.
A major highlight of the visit was the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum in Tashkent, where over 150 business leaders and government officials from both countries explored investment opportunities and joint ventures. With Uzbekistan’s GDP reaching $88 billion in 2024 and its industrial sector growing at an average annual rate of 6.5%, the country presents a lucrative market for Pakistani businesses, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and agriculture. Over the past three years, Uzbekistan’s imports from Pakistan have surged by 38%, while total bilateral trade has grown from $95 million in 2021 to approximately $250 million in 2024.
However, the real challenge lies in translating these diplomatic discussions into tangible business ventures. Both countries signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements in trade, transport, and cultural exchanges, but their success depends on swift implementation. Bureaucratic red tape, logistical constraints, and inconsistent policies have often hindered trade growth in the past. For instance, despite the potential of Pakistan’s textile sector—worth over $20 billion in exports annually—its market share in Uzbekistan remains minimal due to high tariffs and procedural delays. To maximize the economic potential of this partnership, both nations must commit to streamlining customs procedures, ensuring policy continuity, and creating an investor-friendly environment.
Beyond economic collaboration, Pakistan and Uzbekistan recognize the strategic importance of regional security, particularly regarding Afghanistan. Both nations understand that sustainable economic growth is only possible in a stable environment. Stability in Afghanistan is crucial for projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway and other connectivity initiatives. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the region, advocating for continued diplomatic engagement and mutual support at platforms like the United Nations (UN), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Uzbekistan’s proactive diplomacy in Afghanistan—including humanitarian assistance and infrastructure investments—aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to ensure regional stability, creating an opportunity for joint peacebuilding initiatives.
This partnership also has broader geopolitical significance. As Uzbekistan diversifies its foreign policy and trade relations, it sees Pakistan as a vital partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other multilateral economic frameworks. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), valued at over $62 billion, offers Uzbekistan an alternative trade route to global markets via the Gwadar and Karachi ports. Additionally, both nations are strengthening their engagement with Turkey and Iran to develop a more integrated regional trade network.
Cultural and academic exchanges have long been an integral part of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations. With a shared Islamic heritage, linguistic connections, and historical ties, both nations recognize the potential for deeper collaboration in tourism and education. The recent surge in Pakistani tourists visiting Uzbekistan—rising from 30,000 in 2022 to over 40,000 in 2024—demonstrates growing interest in cross-cultural engagement. The launch of direct flights between Islamabad and Tashkent is expected to further enhance business travel, tourism, and academic exchanges.
Encouragingly, student exchange programs, scholarships, and cultural initiatives are also under discussion. Uzbekistan has expressed interest in expanding educational cooperation, particularly in engineering, medicine, and Islamic studies, areas where Pakistani universities have a strong academic presence. In addition, both governments are exploring the establishment of Urdu and Uzbek language centers in each other’s countries to deepen linguistic and cultural ties. These initiatives will help create lasting bonds between the younger generations of both countries, ensuring that this partnership extends beyond just trade and diplomacy.
As the visit concluded, a Joint Statement reaffirmed Pakistan and Uzbekistan’s commitment to economic, political, and cultural collaboration. However, the success of this partnership hinges on implementation—moving beyond diplomatic gestures to concrete actions. Reducing bureaucratic obstacles, ensuring policy consistency, and fostering an investor-friendly environment will be crucial in translating agreements into lasting progress.
Political transitions and global economic uncertainties will undoubtedly pose challenges, but the momentum of this partnership must not be lost. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are not just diplomatic partners; they are economic allies with the potential to shape regional prosperity. The question is: Will they seize this moment to build a lasting partnership, or will it remain an underutilized opportunity?
One thing is certain—if both nations stay committed to their shared vision, they can carve out a new era of prosperity, proving that strong partnerships are built not just on history but on a collective drive for progress.
Mr. Qaiser Nawab, a global peace activist, is a distinguished international expert specializing in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Afghanistan, Central Asia and founder of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD), a newly established global think-tank headquartered in Islamabad, in conjunction with the one-decade celebration of BRI.
