ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reiterated their commitment to strengthening parliamentary collaboration and emphasised their role in enhancing socio-political, cultural, and economic ties.
The resolve was expressed during a virtual meeting of the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group held on Tuesday, according to an official statement.
The meeting was convened under the convenorship of Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan from Pakistan’s side, while the Uzbek members of parliament, under the Convenorship of Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov, attended via video link.
During the meeting, the Uzbek side underscored the deep historical, cultural, economic, and social bonds between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
They further emphasised that the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group aims not only to promote parliamentary cooperation but also to deepen people-to-people connections through expanded trade, investment, and educational partnerships.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Convenor Pakistan – Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group presiding over a virtual meeting at Parliament House, Islamabad.#Pakistan #Uzbekistan #Senate pic.twitter.com/8Ef2LpH0Fn
— ꜱᴇɴᴀᴛᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴘᴀᴋɪꜱᴛᴀɴ 🇵🇰 (@SenatePakistan) November 25, 2025
The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding commitment of both nations to strengthening parliamentary collaboration and highlighted its importance in enhancing socio-political, cultural, and economic ties.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Convenor from Pakistan, underscored the vast potential for deepening trade, cultural, and mutual defence and security ties, particularly in the context of shared regional challenges. He stressed the need for joint efforts to create a conducive environment for trade, investment, and regional stability.
He also emphasised the importance of regional connectivity and Pakistan’s strong interest in the development of the Trans-Afghan Pakistan Railway—an essential project for Central Asia–South Asia connectivity.
Senator Afnan Ullah highlighted the growing trade volume between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and reaffirmed the shared commitment to gradually raise bilateral trade to USD 2 billion annually.
He pointed to substantial investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical, agriculture, defence, textile, and tourism sectors, emphasising their strong potential for expanding economic cooperation.
Both sides agreed to regular parliamentary, business, and educational exchanges to further strengthen cultural, political, and trade relations.
Over the years, the relationship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has strengthened due to high-level interactions, increased economic partnership, and collaboration in regional and international forums.
In July, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan signed a framework agreement to conduct a joint feasibility study for a transnational railway project aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic integration.
The project will establish a rail link connecting Uzbekistan with Pakistan, enhancing regional trade and access to Pakistani seaports for Central Asian countries.
In February this year, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with the Central Asian country.
Uzbekistan is the second-largest economy in Central Asia and its largest consumer market. It was the first Central Asian country to sign both a bilateral Transit Trade Agreement (UPTTA) and a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan, covering 17 trade items.
In February 2023, Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a $1 billion trade agreement to facilitate the exchange of goods and services.
