Focus on Central Asia

2026-02-06 - 22:36

AFTER a long hiatus, practical moves are visible to realize the dream of having closer and multidimensional cooperation with the Central Asian countries as highlighted by two successive high level visits. Immediately after successful visit of Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev landed in the capital Islamabad to hold wide-ranging talks with Pakistani leadership culminating in signing of 29 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to fortify bilateral relations in various fields. In the words of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, there was special focus on trade and investment, regional connectivity, education and cultural exchanges besides an understanding reached to increase bilateral trade to $2 billion in coming years. The visit and its outcome highlighted the positive trajectory of relations marked by common historical, religious and cultural affinities between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and the highest level of goodwill and resolve to forge cooperation in diverse fields to the mutual advantage of the two countries. The most important aspect of the bilateral understanding was the focus on implementation of the decisions taken by the top leadership. During the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Tashkent in February 2025, the two countries established the High Level Strategic Consultative Council to enable the effective implementation of the decisions taken and the mechanism has since been operationalized. The forum can help transform MoUs and agreements into practical projects and programmes provided the Council holds its regular meetings and relevant ministries and departments of the two countries give their active input. It is also important to note that the two sides have outlined specific mechanisms aimed at removing bottlenecks and expanding the range of tradable goods to achieve the target of a four-fold increase in trade (from the existing $500 million to $2 billion) in five years. Pakistan was the first Central Asian partner with which Uzbekistan signed a bilateral Transit Trade Agreement, along with a Preferential Trade Agreement in March 2022, covering 17 items, which became operational in 2023. Among the measures discussed were the expansion of the list of products covered under the Preferential Trade Agreement, the broadening of phytosanitary permits for Uzbek agricultural exports and the more active use of Uzbekistan’s trade houses in Lahore and Karachi. Another notable feature of the Islamabad talks was the emphasis on sector-specific cooperation. Joint projects are already underway in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agriculture-sectors that offer strong potential for value-added collaboration. The decision to strengthen banking cooperation and connectivity has the prospect to help increase bilateral trade and investment. The two sides also decided to increase the number of direct flights and underscored the importance of accelerating the Trans-Afghan railway project and advancing the Pakistan-China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan transport corridor. The high level visits from Central Asia and wide-range of MoUs and agreements signed reflect keen interest of the countries of the region to forge cooperative relations with Pakistan, viewing it 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. 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 Pakistan seaports. Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed Agreement on Military-Technical Cooperation in March 2022 providing a legal framework for cooperation in defense technology, training, and mutual support, emphasizing equality and mutual benefit. In view of recent developments, there is also potential to sign similar agreements with other regional countries with focus on defence production. As Uzbekistan is also a member of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump, the two countries will have an opportunity to work together to promote the cause of peace in Gaza and also other regions of the globe. (ends)