By Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Bishkek, where the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion by 2029.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal and Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar.
The two sides discussed cooperation in several sectors, including industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, digital technology and security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on the country’s 35th Independence Anniversary. He said the Strategic Cooperation Council had provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations.
Trans-Pakistan Railway Project
The prime minister stressed the need to implement decisions related to trade, investment and economic cooperation.
He said the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project could play a key role in connecting Central and South Asia. He also highlighted the importance of making early progress on the joint feasibility study.
The leaders also discussed improving air connectivity, particularly the possibility of direct flights between Tashkent and Karachi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Uzbekistan’s support for Pakistan’s upcoming presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan.
