BY Tariq Iqbal Chaudhry
Islamabad: The Republic of Uzbekistan celebrated its 35th Independence Day in Islamabad with a vibrant reception highlighting the country’s historic heritage, remarkable development, rich cultural traditions and growing strategic partnership with Pakistan.
The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and other distinguished guests. Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari was the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering at a local hotel, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan H.E. Alisher Tukhtaev welcomed the guests and described their presence as a reflection of the “friendship, respect and strong partnership” between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The ambassador said Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991 following the determination of its people, but its statehood and civilization stretch back more than 3,000 years.
He said Uzbekistan takes particular pride in its contribution to world civilization through renowned scholars and thinkers including Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad al-Fergani, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Abu Ali ibn Sina, Mirzo Ulugbek and Alisher Navoi, while the legacy of Amir Temur remains an important symbol of statehood and development.
Ambassador Tukhtaev said Uzbekistan was building on its rich heritage while pursuing an open, modern and prosperous future.
Reforms and Development in Uzbekistan
The ambassador said that over the past decade, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan has undertaken wide-ranging reforms focused on human dignity, economic development and social welfare.
According to figures presented at the event, the country’s poverty rate has declined from 35 percent in 2017 to around 4 percent today, while more than 650,000 families have gained modern homes.
He said the expansion of preschool and higher education has also remained a major priority, with the number of university students reaching 1.6 million.
Uzbekistan is also investing in science, innovation and modern technology while promoting its Islamic and cultural heritage.
The envoy said the Centre of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and renovated memorial complexes dedicated to eminent Islamic scholars are being developed as centres for research and for highlighting Islam’s peaceful and humanistic values.
Pakistan-Uzbekistan Relations Gain New Momentum
Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev described Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations as being in one of the most active periods in their history, rooted in shared culture, faith, traditions and centuries-old historical links.
He said recent high-level exchanges have given bilateral relations fresh momentum. The creation of the High-Level Council of Strategic Partnership has provided a new framework for cooperation, while 30 bilateral documents were signed during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Pakistan in February 2026.
The ambassador also welcomed Pakistan’s decision to confer its highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, on President Mirziyoyev, describing it as a powerful expression of Pakistan’s respect for the Uzbek leader and the special bond between the two nations.
He also referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan, saying that continued high-level engagement had further strengthened the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Bilateral Trade Target Set at $2 Billion
On bilateral trade, the ambassador said Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years.
He said efforts are underway to increase investment, strengthen banking cooperation, establish trade houses and facilitate the movement of goods between the two countries.
He stressed that stronger economic cooperation could translate the longstanding friendship between the two countries into tangible benefits for their peoples.
Direct Flights Expand Between Pakistan and Uzbekistan
Ambassador Tukhtaev said air connectivity between the two countries is also expanding.
Direct passenger services now link Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore, while cargo flights have also been launched. He said additional routes, including Karachi, are expected to further strengthen connectivity, with the number of weekly flights projected to reach nine by October 2026.
The proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project was also highlighted as a particularly important initiative.
The ambassador said Uzbekistan views the railway as a potential bridge between Central and South Asia that could open new markets, create employment opportunities, boost regional trade and promote peace and prosperity.
Congratulating Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Economic Cooperation Organisation, the Uzbek ambassador pledged Uzbekistan’s full cooperation in promoting regional connectivity, stability and sustainable development.
Pakistan Calls for Stronger Cooperation
Speaking as the chief guest, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Uzbekistan.
He said the two countries can further expand cooperation in energy, trade, investment and regional connectivity, while stronger transport links can create new opportunities for both economies.
Awais Leghari also stressed the importance of closer people-to-people and institutional contacts between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
He said enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation could help transform the longstanding friendship between the two countries into a stronger partnership with tangible benefits for their peoples.
Uzbek Culture Takes Centre Stage
The reception also showcased Uzbekistan’s rich culture, cuisine, music and traditional hospitality, offering guests a glimpse of the country’s diverse cultural identity.
As part of the celebrations, a special cultural programme titled “Uzbekistan-Pakistan: Melodies of Friendship and Brotherhood” was presented in Islamabad.
Prominent Uzbek artists performed traditional music and dances, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.
Colourful costumes, captivating music and graceful traditional dances entertained the audience and provided guests with an opportunity to experience the diversity of Uzbek culture.
Guests warmly appreciated the performances. Some said they felt as if they had been transported to Samarkand and Bukhara, while others praised the dancers’ performances, stunning costumes and the high level of skill displayed by the artists.
The cultural programme was described by guests as a memorable evening showcasing the richness of Uzbek culture and civilization.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas Joins Independence Day Celebrations
Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO of The Centaurus Mall and Advisor/National Coordinator on Tourism to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, also joined the celebrations during the ceremony.
He celebrated Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Anniversary alongside the host and Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, adding a lively touch to the cultural celebrations.
Uzbekistan Cultural Days to Be Held in Pakistan
Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev had announced a day earlier during the Uzbekistan Tourism Roadshow that preparations were underway to hold “Days of Culture of Uzbekistan” in Pakistan later this year.
He said a large Uzbek cultural delegation would visit Pakistan on the occasion to showcase the country’s historical heritage, traditional arts and contemporary cultural achievements to the Pakistani public.
Concluding his address, Ambassador Tukhtaev expressed hope that the friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan would endure for generations.
“May peace, progress and prosperity always be with the two brotherly countries,” he said, paying tribute to Uzbekistan, its people and the enduring friendship between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The ceremony concluded with Uzbek cuisine and cultural performances, while both sides expressed confidence that greater economic cooperation, connectivity and cultural exchanges would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
