Interview : Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, gave a special interview to the magazine «Pakistan In The World». In the interview, he discussed the current state of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, as well as the priority areas of bilateral relations and the preservation of their shared historical and literary heritage.
Question : How do you assess Pakistan as a country and its people as a nation?
Answer : Pakistan is a country of immense geopolitical importance, distinguished by its strategic location, human capital, and rich cultural heritage. With a population of more than 250 million, your country is one of the key economic and political centers of South Asia. I view your nation as a land of great opportunities, and the people of Pakistan as hospitable, courageous, eager for knowledge, and deeply committed to their values.
What has particularly impressed me is the sincere attitude of the Pakistani people toward Uzbekistan. Wherever you go, people mention the names of Samarkand, Bukhara, Imam Bukhari, Babur, or Navoi. This demonstrates that the spiritual closeness between our peoples has been preserved for centuries.
Question : What similarities do you see between the peoples of the two brotherly countries? Since we share a common heritage, how can our two states use this heritage to further strengthen relations between our peoples?
Answer : Uzbekistan and Pakistan have long been connected by historical and traditional ties of friendship, a shared religion, similar customs, and common cultural values. In recent years, these commonalities have become especially evident and have turned into an important driver of socio-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
In Pakistan, one can find many elements of Uzbek culture and lifestyle. As is well known, Pakistan was once part of the Mughal Empire founded by our great ancestor, the military commander and statesman Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. The legacy of the Baburites can be seen in many parts of Pakistan, particularly in the city of Lahore. The gardens, forts, mosques, madrasas, and water structures built by them have become an integral part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The people of Pakistan take pride in this legacy and hold the Baburites in high esteem.
I would like to emphasize that the historical ties and shared heritage between Uzbekistan and Pakistan serve as a solid foundation for the development of modern bilateral relations.
Uzbekistan is geographically located at the heart of Central Asia and shares borders with all countries in the region.
Pakistan, in turn, occupies an important geopolitical and logistical position. Strategically significant transport corridors providing access to the Indian Ocean pass through its territory. These corridors serve as vital arteries for transportation links between some of the world’s most populous nations.
Moreover, Pakistan holds a central geographical position in South Asia. From this perspective, Uzbekistan and Pakistan can act as a unique bridge for fostering closer relations between two strategically important regions — Central Asia and South Asia.
In order to promote this shared heritage, our Embassy has been organizing a number of cultural and academic events.
In particular, conferences on the theme “The Legacy of Babur and the Baburites,” Uzbek Culture Days, and roundtable discussions dedicated to the works of Babur and Alisher Navoi have been held in Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. In addition, joint academic exchange programs for students and researchers are being launched.
In the future, we plan to implement joint tourism projects along the routes associated with Babur’s journeys, produce joint films and documentary projects, and expand literary translations between the Uzbek and Urdu languages.
Question : Could you elaborate on the agreements reached during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan on February 5–6 this year? I believe this visit became one of the most significant events during your diplomatic activity in Pakistan.
Answer : Indeed, it was a truly historic visit. Naturally, an important question arises: what practical outcomes did this historic visit produce?
First of all, the visit contributed to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. In particular, it gave new momentum to the development of regular political dialogue based on mutual trust between our leaders.
Secondly, during the visit, the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan signed a Joint Declaration. In addition, more than thirty bilateral documents were signed in the presence of the leaders of the two countries. These figures clearly demonstrate how productive and successful the visit was.
Thirdly, very important agreements were also reached in the fields of trade and investment.
Fourthly, cooperation between our peoples in the spheres of culture, art, and science is also developing rapidly. This, in turn, directly supports public diplomacy.
At this point, it should be emphasized that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan marked the beginning of a new stage in bilateral relations. Most importantly, the leaders of the two countries outlined a clear roadmap for elevating relations to the level of a strategic partnership. One of these major goals is the agreement to increase bilateral trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars by 2029.
In addition, important agreements were reached on accelerating the Trans-Afghan Railway project, expanding Uzbekistan’s access to the sea through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, broadening preferential trade regimes, strengthening interbank relations, and cooperation in other areas.
Today, the pace of implementation of these agreements is generally being assessed positively. Intergovernmental commissions, B2B platforms, and intersectoral working groups are carrying out regular activities.
Question : Which sectors are of key importance in increasing the volume of bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan to 2 billion US dollars?
Answer : Expanding trade and economic ties has been identified as one of the priority areas of Pakistan–Uzbekistan dialogue.
As a result of systematic efforts, bilateral trade volume has demonstrated dynamic growth over the past eight years, with its total volume increasing almost twelvefold. As of January 1, 2026, this figure amounted to 475 million US dollars. In accordance with agreements reached at the highest level, clear targets have been set to increase bilateral trade turnover to 2 billion US dollars in the near future.
It should be noted that the most-favored-nation regime has been established in mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, and a “Preferential Trade Agreement” has been signed. Within the framework of this agreement, tariff preferences have been introduced for a number of товар categories. The parties are maintaining continuous dialogue on expanding the nomenclature of goods covered by this agreement.
Cooperation in the field of industrial collaboration is also developing at a rapid pace. Exhibitions of industrial products under the “Made in Uzbekistan” and “Made in Pakistan” brands, as well as “National Food Fest” food exhibitions, are being regularly organized, along with mutual visits of business delegations.
Speaking about the main areas of trade, Uzbekistan exports textile products, fruits and vegetables, and chemical products to Pakistan. In turn, pharmaceutical products, rice, and light industry goods are imported from Pakistan. At the same time, industrial cooperation is developing through the establishment of joint ventures.
In my opinion, in order to achieve these goals, the transport and logistics, textile, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, and digital economy sectors will primarily serve as the key drivers.
The cotton and textile sector is certainly one of the main areas of cooperation. Uzbekistan produces high-quality cotton fiber and finished textile products, while Pakistan possesses one of the largest textile industries in the world. There is tremendous potential for cluster-based cooperation in this field.
There is also enormous potential in the construction sector. Urban development and infrastructure projects are being implemented at a rapid pace in Uzbekistan. Pakistan has extensive experience in cement production, construction materials, and engineering services.
Question : You have been meeting very frequently with representatives of Pakistan’s business community. How strong is the interest of Pakistani businesses in the Uzbek market?
Answer : I have visited nearly all of Pakistan’s major economic regions. There is very strong interest in Uzbekistan among Pakistani business circles.
Particularly high interest is being observed in access to the Central Asian market, logistics corridors, the food and agro-industrial sectors, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.
Pakistani entrepreneurs highly appreciate the economic reforms being carried out in Uzbekistan, the favorable conditions created for investors, and the country’s political stability.
Question : You have met several times with former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. What are your impressions?
Answer : These meetings were held in a very sincere and substantive atmosphere. Mr. Nawaz Sharif is considered one of the politicians who clearly understands the importance of developing relations with Central Asia. He once again emphasized that he supports strengthening economic and transport connectivity with Uzbekistan.
During our discussions, we paid great attention to further accelerating practical cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. We view the development of economic diplomacy and regional integration as priority areas.
Ms. Maryam Nawaz, in turn, places significant emphasis on modern governance, digitalization, and agricultural modernization in Punjab. This is creating new opportunities for cooperation with the regions of Uzbekistan.
Question : What is the current state of cooperation between Punjab and Namangan?
Answer : Cooperation between the Punjab and Namangan regions has reached a new stage in recent years and is steadily developing in the form of practical and mutually beneficial partnership. In particular, a number of joint projects are being implemented in the fields of agriculture, agrotechnology, water-saving technologies, seed production, intensive horticulture, and the introduction of agricultural machinery.
Within the framework of this cooperation, exchanges of experience are being organized between specialists from the two regions, with special attention being paid to the practical implementation of modern agricultural solutions. In particular, cooperation in introducing drip irrigation systems, high-yield seed varieties, and energy-saving technologies is becoming increasingly important for both sides.
In addition, the delivery of certain agricultural machines manufactured in Namangan to the city of Multan in Punjab is regarded as a vivid example of practical cooperation. This demonstrates that mutual trade and economic relations are becoming progressively stronger.
Today, the leadership of the two regions is working to further expand cooperation at the provincial level based on a “brotherhood” model, as well as to implement new joint programs in the areas of industrial cooperation, education, entrepreneurship, and investment. In the future, this cooperation is expected to become even more active not only in the economic sphere, but also in cultural and humanitarian fields.
Question : What is your opinion on the importance of the Trans-Afghan trilateral railway project?
Answer : Certainly, the situation in Afghanistan remains an important factor for regional connectivity projects. However, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has consistently pursued a pragmatic and forward-looking policy.
The Trans-Afghan railway is a project of not only economic but also geostrategic significance. It has the potential to become a new transport artery linking Central and South Asia.
Uzbekistan supports the inclusion of Afghanistan in regional economic processes, because economic integration serves the cause of peace and stability.
The full implementation of this project would be beneficial for all parties involved.
Uzbekistan regards such infrastructure projects as a key pillar of regional integration. In particular, the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project is recognized as an important transport corridor directly linking Central Asia with South Asia. Through this route, the goal is to strengthen economic ties between the regions and expand trade and transit opportunities.
The project serves not only the interests of the two countries, but also contributes to increasing trade volumes across the entire region, enhancing transit capacity, and accelerating the processes of economic integration. The implementation of this project is of great importance for the development of both transport and trade relations in the regions of Central Asia and South Asia.
Question : How do you assess the digitalization process in Pakistan?
Answer : Digital transformation processes are progressing rapidly in Pakistan. Significant growth is especially being observed in the areas of fintech, electronic payments, digitalization of public services, and IT startups.
Uzbekistan is also attaching great importance to the development of the digital economy. From this perspective, there are substantial opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of IT parks, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.
Cooperation in the banking sector is also developing. Dialogues are continuing between the national banks of Uzbekistan and Pakistan on simplifying settlement mechanisms and conducting trade in national currencies.
Question : How do you assess Pakistan’s peace-oriented efforts in relations between the United States and Iran?
Answer : Pakistan occupies an important place in the region as a country that follows the principles of balance and dialogue in foreign policy. Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran deserve positive recognition.
Uzbekistan has also consistently supported the resolution of all conflicts through diplomatic means. In this regard, the positions of our countries are close to one another.
Question : Uzbekistan and Pakistan have simplified visa procedures and are increasing the number of direct flights. What significance do these important factors have in increasing the exchange of tourists?
Answer : In recent years, Uzbekistan has significantly simplified the visa regime for Pakistani citizens. This has contributed to an increase in pilgrimage tourism, historical heritage tourism, and family travel.
The direct flights operated by “Uzbekistan Airways” and “Centrum Air” are bringing the two nations even closer together. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent are becoming highly attractive destinations for Pakistani tourists.
First and foremost, visa procedures are being simplified, and favorable conditions are being created for people-to-people exchanges.
It should be emphasized that the number of flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan has been increased to six per week: four flights operate on the Tashkent–Lahore route, while two flights are operated on the Islamabad–Tashkent route. In the near future, flights between Tashkent and Karachi are also planned to be launched.
Question : Could you elaborate on the opportunities for cooperation in the field of education?
Answer : There are tremendous opportunities for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the field of education. In particular, collaboration in medicine, IT, engineering, and Oriental studies is highly promising. Negotiations are underway regarding student exchange programs, joint faculties, and dual-degree programs.
Our ties in education, especially in higher education, are also developing day by day. Currently, nearly 1,500 Pakistani students are studying at Uzbekistan’s leading higher educational institutions in priority fields such as medicine, information technology, engineering, international relations, economics, and Islamic studies.
I believe that, in order to elevate cooperation in education to a new level, it is necessary to more actively promote initiatives such as expanding student and faculty exchange programs, establishing joint scientific laboratories and research centers, as well as increasing educational grants and scholarship programs.
Such intellectual and cultural dialogue between the younger generation will, in the future, create a strong human foundation for the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Question : What is your opinion about Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry?
Answer : In recent years, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has been emerging as one of the fastest-growing sectors in South Asia. Hundreds of local and international pharmaceutical companies operate in the country, and in addition to meeting domestic market demand, they are also steadily increasing export volumes.
At the same time, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry is not limited to the production of finished products alone; it is also placing significant emphasis on the development of biotechnology, vaccine manufacturing, medical research, and modern laboratory infrastructure. Many enterprises operate in accordance with international GMP standards, which expands opportunities for exporting products to foreign markets.
This experience is also of great importance for Uzbekistan, as our country’s pharmaceutical market is currently undergoing a stage of modernization and localization. From this perspective, establishing joint manufacturing enterprises with Pakistani companies, promoting technology transfer, training specialists, and cooperating in scientific research could be beneficial for both sides.
In particular, the exchange of experience in producing affordable and high-quality medicines would contribute to increasing the volume of import-substituting products in Uzbekistan. In addition, logistical advantages and geographical proximity create favorable conditions for the development of trade and economic cooperation. We hope that in the future, collaboration between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the pharmaceutical sector will further expand through joint investment projects, clinical research, and the development of innovative medicines.
Question : In Pakistan, there are many sources of information and sites connected with the legacy of Abu Rayhan Beruni. Are any joint projects being planned to study them together?
Answer : Certainly, Abu Rayhan Beruni is a great scholar who made an enormous contribution not only to Uzbekistan or Pakistan, but to the development of human civilization as a whole. His scientific legacy in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, geography, mineralogy, medicine, and history remains of unparalleled importance to global science even today.
Therefore, the development of joint initiatives aimed at preserving, thoroughly studying, and passing on Beruni’s heritage to future generations is considered one of the priority areas for both countries.
At present, scholars from Uzbekistan and Pakistan are engaged in discussions on studying sources related to Beruni’s life and scientific activities, conducting comparative analyses of his works, and preparing new academic publications. In particular, opportunities are being discussed to launch joint academic programs focused on studying and preserving historical sites located in Pakistan, as well as cultural objects connected with Beruni’s activities.
In addition, plans are underway to strengthen cooperation between the universities and research centers of the two countries, as well as to organize joint conferences, scientific expeditions, and exhibitions. One of the key priorities is also considered to be the translation of Beruni’s works into modern languages, their digitization, and the creation of electronic archives.
At the same time, initiatives are being proposed to introduce special grant programs for young researchers and students, academic exchange projects, and international forums dedicated to the heritage of Beruni. This will not only strengthen scientific and cultural ties between the two countries, but will also contribute to the wider promotion of the shared historical heritage of the civilizations of Central and South Asia.
Question : In your opinion, how can the legacy of the great poet Mirza Ghalib, who is highly respected in Pakistan and of Uzbek origin, be jointly promoted?
Answer : Mirza Ghalib is a great poet and thinker who occupies a special place in the spiritual world of the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan. His ghazals, philosophical views, and poetry expressing the subtle emotions of the human soul are regarded not only as a priceless heritage of Urdu literature, but also of the entire classical literature of the East. Therefore, the joint promotion of Mirza Ghalib’s creative legacy will serve to further strengthen the cultural and literary ties between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
First of all, it is of great importance to prepare new and modern translations of Mirza Ghalib’s works into the Uzbek language. Every generation of readers perceives literary works through the spirit and language of its own era. From this perspective, retranslating the poet’s ghazals and letters in a modern style and enriching them with commentaries and scholarly annotations would increase the interest of a broad readership.
Furthermore, organizing literary evenings, poetry recitals, and cultural festivals dedicated to Mirza Ghalib in cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Lahore, and Islamabad would also yield significant results. At such events, writers, poets, and scholars from both countries could participate and exchange views on the universal significance of Ghalib’s творчество. In particular, live performances of his ghazals in both Urdu and Uzbek would further enhance the emotional impact of these events.
In addition, it would be appropriate to organize joint scientific conferences, seminars, and research projects through cooperation between universities and research centers. Scholarly studies on Mirza Ghalib’s literary style, philosophical views, and contribution to the development of Eastern literature would serve as an important source for a new generation of researchers.
Organizing essay-writing, ghazal recitation, and translation competitions among young people based on the works of Mirza Ghalib is also of great importance. Through such initiatives, the younger generation not only becomes more closely acquainted with the poet’s творчество, but also develops a deeper interest in classical literature. At the same time, widely promoting the works of Mirza Ghalib in digital formats through social networks, electronic libraries, and multimedia platforms is extremely relevant today.
Moreover, creating documentary films, theatrical performances, and artistic programs about Mirza Ghalib is considered one of the most effective ways of presenting his life and literary legacy to the wider public. This is because the heritage of the great poet reaches people’s hearts more profoundly through various forms of art.
Recently, with the assistance of the professors and teachers of Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, we translated into the Urdu language and published in book form the stories of prominent representatives of Uzbek literature – Abdulla Qahhor, Said Ahmad, Saida Zunnunova, Shukur Kholmirzayev, and Oʻtkir Hoshimov. In addition, we also presented a dictionary titled “Urdu-Uzbek Similar Words Dictionary”.
It is also possible to begin practical initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the legacy of Mirza Ghalib, particularly by implementing projects devoted to translating the poet’s ghazals into the Uzbek language. Such noble initiatives play an important role in passing the heritage of the great poet on to future generations in a worthy manner.
