Ambassador of Pakistan: The historical ties between our countries are today evolving into a strategic partnership
The close relations between New Uzbekistan and Pakistan are the result of centuries-old bonds between our peoples. In particular, in recent years, our relations have entered a new stage. Mutual visits by the heads of state, agreements on strategic partnership, and joint statements on cooperation clearly confirm this view. Notably, today, both sides are demonstrating strong political will to ensure regional security and stability.
Within the framework of a roundtable discussion titled “Uzbekistan – Pakistan: Bridging regions and creating new opportunities”, held at the International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent, UzA correspondent interviewed Ahmed Farooq, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Republic of Uzbekistan, about the current state of relations between our nations.
– The main objective of this forum is to bring together academics, scholars, diplomats, and political experts to develop ideas for deepening mutual relations. Indeed, strengthening our ties, which have already reached a high level, and elevating them to a new stage has become a key priority for both sides today.
It is worth noting that in 2025, at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif to your country marked another significant step toward enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between our states. At that time, our head of government invited the Leader of Uzbekistan to visit Pakistan. We are confident that the Uzbekistan Leader’s visit to Islamabad will expand the scope of the existing partnership and take our relations to a new level.
During the official visit to Tashkent, the leaders of the two countries adopted several important decisions. For example, it is planned to increase trade turnover between Pakistan and Uzbekistan fourfold in the coming years, bringing it to $2 billion. Therefore, governments and business circles are actively working to expand mutual trade, cooperation, and investment ties. The heads of state also approved the idea of establishing a high-level consultative council. Notably, the first meeting of this council will be held in Islamabad in the near future during a high-level visit.
Although many results have already been achieved, there is still much work to be done. The joint projects to be implemented in the future will serve not only the interests of Pakistan and Uzbekistan, but also those of the peoples of the entire Central Asian region.
Located at the heart of Central Asia and home to the region’s largest population, Uzbekistan, as one of the region’s major economies, connects all neighboring countries. Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, has four seaports. These ports provide convenient access to the sea not only for Uzbekistan but for the whole of Central Asia. Therefore, our joint efforts will help link the two regions and advance numerous transport and communication initiatives, including the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway.
Relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan are founded on shared religious, historical, and cultural values. Our countries share a common historical heritage that dates back to the periods when the Great Silk Road fostered the exchange of ideas and trade between East and West. For centuries, our two nations and peoples have enriched each other’s spiritual, intellectual, and cultural legacy.
Today, our relations continue to develop further, drawing strength from their historical roots. Scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari and Imam al-Termizi, as well as eminent figures such as Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and Al-Khwarizmi, are shared figures in our common history. In particular, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur closely binds us together. Just as he is recognized in Uzbekistan as a great son of this land, he is also highly esteemed in our history as an outstanding statesman.
In short, many factors unite us. We must now combine this shared history and culture, high potential, and spiritual heritage and pass them on to future generations. In other words, for the benefit of our people, we are linking the past with the future. Overall, the ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have historically been multifaceted. Today, both countries are entering a new stage of cooperation.
Interviewed by Utkir Alimov, photo by Farhod Abdurasulov, UzA
