Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani met with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and discussed matters related to strengthening bilateral and parliamentary relations between the two countries. According to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat on Monday, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and related meetings held in Tashkent.
The Chairman Senate conveyed warm sentiments of goodwill from the people and leadership of Pakistan and extended heartfelt congratulations to the President of Uzbekistan on the successful organization of the IPU Assembly and the recent parliamentary elections. Both leaders acknowledged the centuries-old religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in all fields. A special reference was made to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025.
During that visit, multiple Memoranda of Understanding were signed, and an agreement was reached on establishing a High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Chairman Senate appreciated the resumption of direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent, terming it a significant step for enhancing people-to-people contacts and boosting business relations. The two leaders reviewed the growing political and institutional links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, which include regular meetings of bilateral political consultations, joint ministerial commissions, and joint business forums held to promote economic ties.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani emphasized strengthening parliamentary cooperation and the reconstitution of parliamentary friendship groups following recent elections. He stated that such exchanges promote diplomatic confidence and enable mutual cooperation at both regional and global levels. The meeting also featured a detailed discussion on economic and trade relations, with both sides appreciating that bilateral trade surpassed 105 million US dollars during the fiscal year 2023–24. They reiterated their resolve to continue efforts to increase the trade volume to 2 billion US dollars in the coming years.
Both sides expressed strong support for strategic projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway Project and the International Multimodal Transport Corridor (ITC-BRKUAP), which aim to enhance regional connectivity and access to the Arabian Sea. Chairman Senate welcomed Uzbekistan’s participation in these corridor projects and expressed Pakistan’s desire to advance through mutual cooperation in feasibility and construction phases. Visa facilitation also remained a key topic during the meeting.
Chairman Senate appreciated Uzbekistan’s measures and emphasized the need for easing visa policies to promote bilateral trade, tourism, and economic connectivity. He termed the agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders a constructive step. Chairman Gillani thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for its hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to further strengthening strategic partnership for mutual benefit and regional prosperity.
Later, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani advocated for a global parliamentary initiative for social justice during the 150th IPU Assembly. Addressing the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Chairman emphasized the need for a renewed global commitment through parliamentary initiatives and cooperation for social development and justice. In the session titled Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice, Chairman Senate highlighted the role of parliaments in building inclusive and equitable societies. He stressed that justice and equality should not remain theoretical concepts but must become a global reality.
In his address, the Chairman thanked and appreciated the government and people of Uzbekistan for hosting this historic assembly. He termed the IPU as an important platform for promoting parliamentary diplomacy and global governance. The Chairman emphasized that Pakistan has undertaken legislative and policy reforms to empower marginalized communities, improve access to healthcare and education, and strengthen the rights of workers.
He mentioned successful policies such as the Benazir Income Support Programme and Universal Health Care introduced for the welfare of vulnerable segments. Chairman Senate also highlighted Pakistan’s legislative reforms for women empowerment, youth participation in national development, the rights of informal sector workers, and persons with disabilities.
Referring to the ongoing atrocities in Palestine and Kashmir, he termed the global silence as contrary to the principles of humanity and justice. The Chairman urged parliaments around the world to promote joint cooperation for justice and inclusive development.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to global cooperation, social equality, and legislation that upholds the rights of all human beings. “A just society is not built on words but through action,” he concluded.
