In a significant push to bolster economic and regional ties, parliamentary groups from Pakistan and Uzbekistan have set an ambitious annual trade target of USD 2 billion and reaffirmed their commitment to the critical Trans-Afghan Pakistan Railway project, aiming to reshape connectivity between Central and South Asia.

This commitment was announced during a virtual session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group on Tuesday, where officials from both nations pledged to deepen their collaboration across multiple sectors. The Pakistani delegation was convened by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, while the Uzbek side was led by Senator Kutbiddin Burkhanov.

Senator Khan emphasized the vast potential for expanding commercial, cultural, and defence partnerships, citing shared regional challenges. He described the Trans-Afghan Railway as a vital artery for linking the two regions and called for joint efforts to foster an environment conducive to investment and stability.

The Uzbek delegation highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical bonds shared by the two countries. Senator Burkhanov praised Pakistan for successfully hosting the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (IPC) in Islamabad, noting its theme of “Peace, Security and Development” strongly resonated with the bilateral relationship.

Officials noted that commerce between the two nations is on a steady incline. Senator Khan identified significant investment opportunities in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, defence, and tourism. He also commended the ongoing progress toward tax integration, a move designed to facilitate seamless trade and lower investment barriers.

Miss Misbah Khar, Advisor to the Chairman Senate, pointed to emerging opportunities in development and security cooperation. She lauded the recent launch of direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a milestone for enhanced connectivity and linked the group’s discussions to the broader vision of the IPC.

The dialogue included senior officials such as Senator Kamran Murtaza and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, along with representatives from Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs and Commerce ministries.

Both sides agreed to maintain momentum through regular parliamentary, business, and academic exchanges. To further strengthen diplomatic ties, Senator Khan extended an invitation to the Uzbek parliamentary delegation to visit Pakistan, which was reciprocated with an invitation for the Pakistani Friendship Group to visit Uzbekistan.