Islamabad: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion over the next five years, while direct air connectivity is expected to rise to nine weekly flights by October 2026, as the two countries seek to deepen economic and regional cooperation.
The target was announced by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev during a reception in Islamabad marking Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Day. Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari attended the event as chief guest, alongside government officials, diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders.
Tukhtaev said the relationship between the two countries was being driven by the friendship and trust between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
He said the two leaders had held a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, where they reaffirmed their commitment to implementing existing agreements and strengthening the strategic partnership.
Uzbekistan, he added, welcomed Pakistan’s assumption of the chairmanships of the SCO and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), and was ready to work with Islamabad on regional cooperation, peace, stability and development.
On trade, the ambassador said the two countries were working towards the $2bn target by increasing direct engagement between business communities, supporting investment projects, developing trade houses and strengthening banking ties. Efforts were also under way to facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
Air connectivity has also expanded. According to the ambassador, there were no direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan two years ago. Regular passenger services now link Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while direct cargo flights have also been introduced.
With planned new routes, including flights to Karachi, the number of weekly flights is expected to reach nine by October 2026.
Tukhtaev described the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as one of the most important projects for the countries’ future cooperation. He said the railway could connect Central and South Asian markets, create jobs and facilitate trade.
He also said Pakistan held a special place in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy and thanked Islamabad for conferring the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the country’s highest civil award, on President Mirziyoyev.
Leghari said Pakistan attached importance to its relations with Uzbekistan and wanted to expand cooperation in energy, trade, investment and regional connectivity. He said improved transport links, along with stronger people-to-people and institutional contacts, could create further opportunities for both countries. The reception coincided with Uzbekistan Tourism Days in Pakistan, which are aimed at promoting tourism and strengthening cultural and humanitarian links.
