Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad
Pakistan Uzbekistan cooperation is expanding from states to their provinces as the then Governor Punjab visited Namangan province in Feb 2022 followed by caretaker CM Punjab in Aug 2023 and now the Governor of Tashkent province is visiting Pakistan with 7 member delegation to discuss the prospescts of cooperation between Punjab and Tashkent as well.
President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with the Governor of Uzbekistan’s Tashkent region in Lahore on 12 March. It was agreed to declare Punjab and Tashkent as brother provinces, and a special committee has been formed for this purpose.
Both sides also agreed to enhance economic cooperation in tourism, agriculture, livestock, meat processing, beverages, and other sectors.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan continues to actively contribute to the development of interregional cooperation between two countries and to strengthening business ties between the regions of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Uzbekistan considering proposal to establish Babar Park in Lahore. 2500 companies in Uzbekistan are working with partners from 74 countries. 22 companies are working in textile, agriculture and meat processing sectors with the participation of Pakistani investors. We are optimistic about positive and encouraging economic results.
Governor Tashkent paid tribute to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for restoration of historical buildings of Mughal era in Lahore. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz accepted invitation to visit Uzbekistan with gratitude.
Nawaz Sharif said, Lahore has a history of thousands of years, I love Lahore, when I was the Prime Minister, I used to come to Lahore every weekend.
Governor Tashkent conveyed message of good wishes from the President of Uzbekistan to the people of Pakistan, especially the people of Punjab. Nawaz Sharif extended his greetings and love to the people of Uzbekistan, especially the people of Samarqand.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is great food lover. He praised Uzbek cuisine, especially pulao, saying it is the favorite dish of Pakistanis. Governor expressed happiness over praise of Uzbek pulao, offered to send Uzbek chefs for training Pakistani chefs.
Nawaz Sharif said, Pakistanis are proud of Uzbekistan’s academic and cultural heritage. Samarkand, like in the past, is still a center and hub of knowledge and skills.
Recalling the history, Nawaz Sharif mentioned Zaheer ud Din Babur and said, ” The first Mughal emperor of united India came from Fergana, and the story of his impressive rule is still read today.
Governor Tashkent appreciated the promotion of tourism and restoration of sites in Punjab. He said, The efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the promotion of tourism, archaeology, museums and tourism in Punjab are commendable.
” We are looking forward to further promoting social and economic cooperation with Pakistan. There are countless opportunities for promoting economic relations in tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and other sectors, Governor Tashkent noted.
Governor Zoir said, There is a great demand for textiles, especially polyester, in Uzbekistan. Pakistani companies will be welcomed in cooperation. There is a great demand for textiles, especially polyester, in Uzbekistan. We will welcome Pakistani companies in partnership.
CM reciprocated, ” We are hopeful to make the visit of investors from Uzbekistan fruitful.”
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CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, I inherited my love for Uzbekistan from my father and mother. Uzbekistan is a brotherly country, we want to further strengthen social and economic relations.
“Uzbek cuisine restaurant in Lahore is a proof of Pakistanis’ love for Uzbekistan. Many historical places in Punjab are tourist attractions. Lahore has numerous archaeological sites from the Mughal era. We welcome the delegation from our brotherly country Uzbekistan, she added.
She said, Pakistani exports to Uzbekistan are increasing. Billions of rupees have been invested in Punjab to improve agriculture, industry, social sector and infrastructure.70 percent of the country’s agriculture is from Punjab, cities like Sialkot, Wazirabad and Faisalabad are industrial hubs.
” Pakistani rice is considered the best in the world, along with corn and wheat are also major crops of Punjab. Punjab is focusing on value-added products of agriculture and livestock. Punjab has three lakh cattle suitable and ready for export as per world standards, CM shared.
The Embassy shared, today in the beautiful and historic city of Lahore, an important meeting took place between the Governor of Tashkent Region Zoir Mirzaev, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League , His Excellency Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and the Chief Minister of Punjab, Her Excellency Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
During the meeting, the sides agreed to promote cooperation between Tashkent Region and the Province of Punjab as “sister regions.” Particular attention was given to the prospects for cooperation in agriculture, textiles, tourism, livestock, and investment, as well as to the development of cultural initiatives.
Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev who took the Governor to Lahore and accompanied him in the meeting, shared , ” It is always encouraging to see the sincere interest of our Pakistani friends in expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan.”
He expressed his confidence that such engagements will further strengthen the friendship, mutual trust, and economic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Governor of Tashkent presented the tradition Uzbek Gown to CM Punjab that Maryam put on and likes it a lot.
It is worth mentioning here that all political parties of Pakistan have been unanimous on the building bridges between two brotherly countries. Nawaz Sharif was the pioneer of establishment of relations with Central Asian states because he was Prime Minister of Pakistan when these states achieved their independence from former USSR.
Some friends of diplomatic circle were concerned after political crisis in Pakistan and stand off between PTI and PMLN, finally change of government of PTI.
This scribe shared with them that the upward tragactory of cooperation with Central Asian states will not be affected as Nawaz Sharif is the constructor of cooperation with CARs and the new Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif is his younger brother who will continue the legacy of his elder brother on Central Asia.
When Maryam Nawaz Sharif became CM Punjab, it was further matured that Pakistan and Punjab will not only sustain the pace of shaping up the mutual cooperation but do their best to enhance it to maximum level.
Presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has visited Islamabad last month while President of Azerbaijan had also visited few months ago. Other leaders including President Tajikistan are also among the visiting diginitaries of Central Asia. Pakistani Prime Minister and President have been visiting CARs.
