Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and described the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project as a potential game changer for both countries and the wider region.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was addressing a ceremony alongside Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who was on a two day official visit to Pakistan. During the event, 28 agreements and memorandums of understanding were exchanged, including 20 key documents. The Prime Minister assured full cooperation and said the project would not only facilitate trade routes but also improve regional mobility and create new opportunities for investment and trade. He described the railway project as a bridge of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Uzbek President on being awarded an honorary professorship and doctorate by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, and praised his services, unwavering dedication, and efforts for peace and prosperity in the region. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was also awarded the Nishan e Pakistan in recognition of his efforts to transform friendly relations into strong economic cooperation and investment.
During the ceremony, 28 agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed, covering areas including defence, climate change, disaster management, agriculture, fruit exports, mining and geosciences, transfer of convicted persons, and joint efforts against narcotics.
According to sources, the Prime Minister highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, ancient Silk Road connections, shared Mughal heritage, and the scholarly contributions of Samarkand and Bukhara. He stressed the importance of tapping new opportunities in information technology, agriculture, textiles, and other sectors under a five year joint action plan.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked the Pakistani leadership for the warm welcome and hospitality, emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in education, science, and technology, and signed protocols to increase bilateral trade volume.
On his arrival, President Mirziyoyev was accorded a 21 gun salute at Nur Khan Air Base, a guard of honour by the Pakistan Armed Forces, and a performance by the tri services band.
