PM Shahbaz Sharif Embarks on Two-Day Official Visit to Uzbekistan

Report by Syed Farzand Ali

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has arrived in Tashkent for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance trade and investment, and promote regional cooperation.

Grand Welcome in Tashkent

Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif received a warm welcome from Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent’s Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, and other senior officials. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented a guard of honor to the Pakistani leader.

Key Engagements and Diplomatic Talks

During his stay, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will engage in high-level discussions with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to explore cooperation in trade, regional connectivity, energy, defense, security, and education. Both leaders will also deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

📌 Signing of MoUs & Agreements – Pakistan and Uzbekistan will ink multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to expand cooperation across various sectors.
📌 Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum – PM Shahbaz will address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, where leading business leaders, investors, and officials from both countries will explore new trade and investment opportunities.
📌 Techno Park Visit – The Prime Minister will visit Tashkent’s Techno Park to observe Uzbekistan’s advancements in the construction industry.

Tribute to Uzbekistan’s History

As part of the visit, PM Shahbaz Sharif will lay a wreath at the Independence Monument to pay tribute to Uzbekistan’s rich history and national heritage. He will also receive a special briefing on the monument’s woodwork, which symbolizes the country’s 3,000-year-old legacy.

High-Level Delegation Accompanies PM

The Prime Minister with high-level delegation:
✔ Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister – Muhammad Ishaq Dar
✔ Commerce Minister – Jam Kamal Khan
✔ Minister for Investment & Privatization – Abdul Aleem Khan
✔ Information Minister – Attaullah Tarar
✔ Special Assistant to PM – Tariq Fatemi

Expected Outcomes of the Visit

The visit is expected to boost economic, trade, and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The strategic discussions and agreements will pave the way for stronger regional connectivity and economic growth.