Uzbekistan’s interests in Pakistan, or Uzbekistan’s nuclear-armed partner

In recent years, the number of countries that consider Uzbekistan a partner—or seek to become one—has been steadily growing on the international stage. As Uzbekistan’s economy becomes increasingly open to the world, its markets are attracting many international investors. At the same time, Uzbek producers are strengthening their presence in global markets, contributing to Tashkent’s emergence as one of the most important economic hubs in Central Asia.

The working visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan on February 5–6 this year, along with the new agreements and memoranda signed between the two sides, demonstrates Uzbekistan’s growing importance as an international actor. Strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia is becoming an increasingly significant shared goal.

New achievements

On February 5, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Islamabad at the invitation of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Upon entering Pakistan’s airspace, the aircraft carrying the Uzbek flag was escorted to Nur Khan Airport by fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force. The Uzbek president received a ceremonial welcome at the airport, where he was personally greeted by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other officials. Such a high-level reception underscores Pakistan’s strong interest in closer ties with Uzbekistan.

According to the program, on February 5 Mirziyoyev met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the meetings, the sides agreed to intensify cooperation between defense industry enterprises, expand military training programs, implement promising infrastructure projects in transport and logistics, and prepare a separate roadmap for military and technical cooperation.

On the same day in Islamabad, the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council was held with the participation of the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The parties discussed practical steps to further expand and strengthen the Uzbekistan–Pakistan strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation. They agreed to establish the Uzbekistan–Pakistan Business Council to promote long-term collaboration between business communities and deepen market ties. The sides also decided to expand the list of goods covered by the preferential trade agreement, broaden phytosanitary permits for Uzbek agricultural products, and make active use of Uzbekistan’s trade houses in Lahore and Karachi.

The two countries set a goal of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion in the near future—nearly five times higher than last year’s trade volume. In addition, a portfolio of projects worth approximately $3.5 billion has been formed in sectors such as agriculture, electrical engineering, geology, pharmaceuticals, light industry, and food processing.

Transport and logistics cooperation was given special attention during the meeting. The importance of accelerating the Trans-Afghan railway project and developing the “Pakistan–China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan” transport corridor was emphasized.

The sides also reached several agreements in the cultural and humanitarian sphere. They agreed to organize the Uzbekistan–Pakistan Interregional Forum, with its first meeting proposed for this year in Khorezm region. The development of pilgrimage tourism was discussed as a priority area of cooperation. To strengthen people-to-people ties, Pakistan will host Uzbekistan Culture Weeks and Uzbek Cinema Days this year. Uzbekistan also proposed establishing a joint cultural center in Lahore to promote the Timurid heritage.

In addition to economic, cultural, and military cooperation, several agreements were signed, including cooperation in port services and discounts, mining and geology, digital and information technologies, sports, radiation and nuclear safety, environmental protection and disaster management, anti-corruption efforts, combating illicit drug trafficking, the transfer of sentenced persons, and a defense ministry roadmap.

During the Strategic Partnership Council meeting, President Mirziyoyev was awarded honorary doctorate and professorship titles by the National University of Sciences and Technology of Pakistan in recognition of his contributions to socio-economic reforms, modernization, science and technology development, and international cooperation.

At the conclusion of the visit, Mirziyoyev invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan and expressed gratitude for naming a street in Islamabad after Tashkent.

On February 6, Mirziyoyev and Sharif jointly attended the Uzbekistan–Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad. The forum brought together more than 300 leading industrial enterprises, trade companies, sectoral organizations, and business representatives. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, light industry, mining and metallurgy, geology, and food security. Particular attention was given to joint production of meat, potatoes, and rice, as well as cooperation in seed production and genetics with the Pakistan National Institute for Genomics.

On the same day, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr residence, President Mirziyoyev was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, by President Asif Ali Zardari. The award recognized joint efforts to expand multifaceted cooperation and symbolized friendship and respect toward the people of Uzbekistan.

A history of brotherhood

Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have deep political roots. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan’s independence on December 20, 1991, and formal diplomatic relations were established on May 10, 1992, marking the opening of embassies and the beginning of official dialogue.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, trade and economic relations developed slowly due to Uzbekistan’s closed foreign policy at the time, regional uncertainties, transit challenges through Afghanistan, internal tensions in Pakistan, and broader geopolitical issues. The absence of high-level visits and large-scale cooperation also slowed progress.

Relations improved significantly after Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power and Uzbekistan reassessed its foreign policy. In July 2021, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Uzbekistan, and the two sides signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership. In March 2022, President Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Pakistan, leading to additional agreements to expand cooperation.

The strategic partnership status was formally established in 2021, and in recent years cooperation in trade, transit, energy, education, and culture has grown rapidly. Bilateral trade rose from $8.5 million in 2000 to $504.5 million in 2025.

Why Pakistan matters for Uzbekistan

The warming of relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is significant for both sides. While Pakistan benefits from access to Uzbekistan’s 38-million-strong market, Uzbekistan also gains substantial advantages from closer ties.

Pakistan provides Uzbekistan with access to South Asia and, critically, to the sea. As a landlocked country, Uzbekistan views access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistani territory as one of the shortest and most promising routes to global markets. Karachi and Gwadar ports could become key logistics hubs for Central Asian exports.

From a geostrategic perspective, Pakistan connects Uzbekistan to South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African markets. This helps diversify trade routes and reduce excessive dependence on northern corridors. The Trans-Afghan railway project—Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar—lies at the center of this strategy and could significantly reduce transportation costs and delivery times.

Economic cooperation is also important. Pakistan, with a population exceeding 240 million, offers a major market and strong expertise in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, and agriculture. Uzbekistan contributes non-ferrous metals, mineral resources, chemicals, and energy potential. The goal of raising trade to $1 billion reflects these complementary strengths.

Pakistan is also a key military and strategic partner. As the only nuclear-armed country in the Islamic world, Pakistan plays a unique role in regional and global security. In an era of geopolitical instability and shifting power balances, strong strategic partnerships are increasingly important for Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan’s military capabilities and experience contribute indirectly to regional stability and expand Uzbekistan’s strategic options.

Closer ties with Pakistan also strengthen Uzbekistan’s regional role. Islamabad actively supports Central Asia–South Asia integration, aligning with Uzbekistan’s vision of an “open and connected Central Asia.” As a result, Pakistan is becoming not only a transit route but also a long-term geopolitical and economic partner.

In conclusion, the development of Uzbekistan–Pakistan relations is equally important for both countries.