The bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan hold great significance from historical, cultural, and economic perspectives. Located at the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is an important partner for Pakistan, especially in the areas of trade, energy, and regional connectivity. Geographically, Uzbekistan is a landlocked country, and Pakistan’s ports can serve as an effective gateway for Uzbekistan to access global markets. Trade corridors and projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway can not only support economic development but also enhance trade opportunities across the region. Additionally, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are expanding their cooperation in defense and security, which can contribute to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts. Both countries are engaged in joint military exercises and counterterrorism collaboration. Given the evolving situation in Afghanistan, intelligence sharing, border security, and joint measures to combat terrorism between Pakistan and Uzbekistan can play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability.
Historical background of relations
The relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan can be traced back centuries. It is shaped by cultural, religious, and trade ties. The cities of Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan were once major centers of Islamic learning, influencing scholars in the Indian subcontinent. The Silk Road played a dynamic role in trade and cultural interactions between the two regions, with merchants, scholars, and Sufi saints traveling between them. Another significant historical link between both states is that the first Mughal emperor, Babar, was from Uzbekistan. After being forced out of Central Asia, he conquered northern India and established the Mughal dynasty in 1526, maintaining strong ties with his homeland. Many Mughal emperors continued to bring scholars, artists, and architects from Central Asia, deepening the cultural connection. However, during the Soviet era, Uzbekistan’s integration into the USSR limited direct relations with Pakistan. Despite Pakistan’s alliance with the West and the USSR’s socialist stance, diplomatic interactions existed, mainly through backchannels related to Afghanistan. Following Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize it, leading to the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. Since then, both countries have signed multiple agreements in trade, education, defense, and regional connectivity. Over the years, their cooperation has grown, particularly in security and economic development. Recent years have witnessed a strengthening of bilateral relations, with a focus on trade routes, defense collaboration, and regional stability.
Prime Minister of Pakistan’s visit to Uzbekistan
During the recent two-day visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan, several important agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries. These agreements cover youth empowerment programs, defense cooperation, and bilateral collaboration in science and technology. Moreover, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the Trans-Afghan Railway project. During this visit, agreements were also made regarding visa-free entry for diplomatic passport holders, military intelligence cooperation, and news collaboration. Additionally, both countries welcomed the establishment of direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent and signed an MoU to declare Lahore and Bukhara as twin cities. The Prime Minister of Pakistan emphasized strengthening bilateral relations, stating that these agreements will enhance cooperation in trade, energy, and regional connectivity. Uzbekistan possesses abundant energy resources, while Pakistan faces an energy crisis. Energy agreements between the two countries could serve as a vital solution for Pakistan, aiding industrial and economic stability. Other Central Asian countries are also observing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Uzbekistan in the context of increasing economic and geopolitical ties in the region. The agreements signed and commitments made during this visit hold significance not only for Pakistan and Uzbekistan but also for the entire Central Asian region.
Impact on other Central Asian states (CARs)
The Central Asian states view their growing relations with Pakistan as an economic opportunity. Pakistan’s geographical position can help connect these countries to global trade, while their energy and natural resources can contribute significantly to Pakistan’s development. Strengthening these ties could open a new chapter for stability and progress across Central and South Asia. The strategic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan are not only significant for these two nations but also hold great importance for the entire Central Asian region. The strengthening of Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations has a significant impact on Central Asian states, fostering regional connectivity, economic growth, and geopolitical stability. As Uzbekistan enhances its trade and transport links with Pakistan, particularly through projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway, other Central Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, also stand to benefit from improved access to global markets via Pakistani seaports. This increased connectivity facilitates trade, investment, and energy cooperation across the region. Additionally, Pakistan’s strategic location provides Central Asia with a crucial gateway to South Asia and the Middle East, reducing dependence on traditional trade routes. Security cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, especially in counterterrorism and intelligence sharing, contributes to regional stability, particularly in the wake of Afghanistan’s evolving situation. Strengthened diplomatic and economic ties encourage greater collaboration among Central Asian states, promoting regional integration through platforms like the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The deepening partnership also attracts foreign investments, particularly in infrastructure and energy sectors, benefiting the entire region. As Pakistan and Uzbekistan work together to enhance regional trade and security, the broader Central Asian region moves closer to economic diversification, political stability, and greater global engagement.
