President Asif Ali Zardari accepts an invitation from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Tashkent later this year, aiming to deepen Pakistan Uzbekistan ties amid a fresh protocol targeting $2 billion in bilateral trade over five years.
President Asif Ali Zardari met Uzbek Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The ambassador delivered a letter from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reiterating his invitation for the Zardari Uzbekistan visit. Zardari accepted and instructed Pakistani officials to coordinate dates with Uzbek counterparts. This move underscores Uzbekistan Pakistan relations, building on Mirziyoyev’s recent two-day state visit to Pakistan, where both nations signed agreements to elevate trade and cooperation.
The Zardari Uzbekistan visit holds key implications for South Asia, fostering connectivity between Central and South Asian economies. Enhanced Pakistan Uzbekistan ties could boost regional stability, trade routes and joint ventures, countering isolation in a volatile neighbourhood.
Mirziyoyev Invites Zardari Amid Growing Diplomacy
During the meeting, Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to Uzbekistan Pakistan relations. He stressed follow-up on Mirziyoyev’s visit outcomes, including protocols in food, agriculture, mining, information technology, tourism, health and banking. Uzbekistan expressed interest in importing halal meat, fruits and potatoes from Pakistan, a step to expand trade.
The letter from Mirziyoyev thanked Zardari for hospitality during his Islamabad trip last week. It noted the conferral of Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s top civil award, plus honorary professorship and doctorate on the Uzbek leader. Mirziyoyev invites Zardari to continue this momentum, focusing on comprehensive cooperation.
Zardari conveyed thanks for Mirziyoyev’s solidarity message after a recent terrorist attack in Islamabad. Both leaders reaffirmed resolve for peace, stability and development through stronger Pakistan Uzbekistan ties.
Ambassador Tukhtaev informed Zardari of Uzbekistan’s plan to develop Babar Park in Islamabad’s F-7 sector. An Uzbek minister will visit next week to discuss construction with Pakistani authorities. This project symbolises historical links, as Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, hailed from Uzbekistan.
Background on Uzbekistan Pakistan Relations
Uzbekistan Pakistan relations date back centuries, rooted in shared cultural heritage. Uzbekistan, a Central Asian republic, gained independence in 1991 after Soviet dissolution. Pakistan recognised it swiftly, establishing diplomatic ties in 1992.
Trade between the nations has grown steadily. In 2025, bilateral trade reached about $500 million, with Pakistan exporting textiles, pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods, while importing machinery and cotton from Uzbekistan. The new $2 billion target over five years aims to quadruple this volume.
Previous high-level exchanges include Mirziyoyev’s 2022 visit to Pakistan, where transit trade agreements were signed. Pakistan seeks access to Central Asia via Uzbekistan, leveraging routes like the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway project. This initiative, discussed in recent talks, could link Tashkent to Pakistani ports, enhancing regional commerce.
Zardari’s administration views Central Asia as vital for economic diversification. Uzbekistan, with its energy resources and strategic location, offers opportunities in hydropower and minerals. Joint working groups on trade and investment meet regularly, with the latest in 2025 yielding memoranda on customs cooperation.
Cultural exchanges strengthen bonds. Student scholarships, language programmes and tourism initiatives promote people-to-people contact. Over 1000 Pakistani students study in Uzbekistan annually, focusing on medicine and engineering.
Security cooperation addresses common threats like terrorism. Both nations support Afghan stability, with Uzbekistan hosting talks on regional peace. Pakistan Uzbekistan ties extend to multilateral forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where they collaborate on counter-terrorism and economic corridors.
Recent developments include direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent, launched in 2024, facilitating business travel. Investment in special economic zones is another focus, with Uzbek firms exploring Pakistan’s textile sector.
Economic Impacts of Zardari Uzbekistan Visit
The impending Zardari Uzbekistan visit could accelerate economic pacts. Experts predict gains in agriculture, where Pakistan’s expertise in halal processing meets Uzbek demand. Uzbekistan’s potato exports to Pakistan rose 20% in 2025, per trade data.
In mining, joint ventures target Uzbekistan’s gold and uranium reserves. Pakistan aims to import energy resources, reducing reliance on Middle Eastern suppliers. Information technology collaboration involves skill-sharing, with Pakistani firms eyeing Uzbek markets.
Tourism holds potential, with Uzbekistan’s Silk Road sites attracting Pakistani visitors. Health sector ties include pharmaceutical exports and medical training. Banking reforms, discussed in recent forums, aim for easier cross-border transactions.
The $2 billion trade goal aligns with Pakistan’s Look East policy, integrating with Central Asia. Challenges include logistics, with overland routes hampered by Afghan instability. Air and rail enhancements are priorities.
What’s Next after Zardari Accepts Mirziyoyev’s Invite
Coordination for the Zardari Uzbekistan visit begins immediately, with dates expected by mid-2026. The Uzbek minister’s trip next week advances Babar Park and other projects. Follow-up meetings on trade protocols will track progress towards the $2 billion mark.
Joint commissions meet in April 2026 to review sectors. Potential outcomes include new agreements on double taxation avoidance and investment protection. Uzbekistan Pakistan relations stand to gain from these steps, promoting mutual growth.
The Zardari Uzbekistan visit promises to solidify partnerships, driving prosperity in both nations.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 11th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
