ISLAMABAD: A virtual meeting of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group was convened at Parliament House in Islamabad, focusing on strengthening bilateral parliamentary, economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting was led by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan on the Pakistani side, with the Uzbek delegation participating via video link under the convenorship of Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov. The meeting included the participation of Senator Husna Bano, Ms. Misbah Khar, Advisor to the Chairman Senate and Secretary of Parliamentary Friendship Groups, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the session, the Uzbek representatives emphasized the historical, cultural, religious, and social ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov praised Ms. Misbah Khar’s recent visit to Uzbekistan and highlighted the shared commitment to enhancing women’s participation in politics and public life. Ms. Khar extended an invitation to the Uzbek delegation to visit Pakistan and proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding on parliamentary cooperation.
Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan highlighted the potential for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, culture, defense, security, and regional connectivity. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts for regional stability and economic collaboration, particularly through the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, which aims to link Central Asia with South Asia.
The discussions also covered the growing trade volume between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, with a mutual goal to increase bilateral trade to USD 2 billion annually. Key sectors identified for economic cooperation include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, tourism, defense production, education, and industrial development.
On regional security, Senator Afnan Ullah underscored the need for strategic cooperation in counterterrorism, defense collaboration, and cultural development. Both sides agreed to strengthen parliamentary ties and develop a comprehensive joint roadmap to expand collaboration in sectors such as disaster management, education, and heritage preservation.
Participants emphasized preserving Mughal heritage and promoting cultural diplomacy through collaboration between educational and cultural institutions. They agreed to enhance parliamentary oversight for implementing high-level agreements between the two nations. The Uzbek side invited the Pakistani delegation to attend the upcoming IPU Young Parliamentarians Conference in Bukhara later this year.
The meeting was described as a constructive engagement, reflecting the shared commitment of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to deepen bilateral relations and parliamentary diplomacy, with both sides reaffirming their support for enhanced cooperation in trade, culture, history, regional peace, and sustainable development.