Uzbekistan Marks 34th Independence Day, Ambassador Highlights Strong Ties with Pakistan

Islamabad: Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, hosted a reception on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of his country’s independence, celebrating national progress and deepening ties with Pakistan. The event, attended by Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and other distinguished guests, showcased Uzbekistan’s economic and social achievements, underscoring its commitment to a “New Uzbekistan.”

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, has declared Pakistan a significant strategic partner of Uzbekistan, underscoring the centuries-old bonds of history, culture, and spirituality between the two nations. Speaking at a reception marking the 34th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the envoy said the relationship was transforming into a “true strategic partnership built on trust, respect, and brotherhood.”

In his address, Ambassador Tukhtaev said that Independence Day is not merely a celebration but the very heartbeat of the Uzbek nation, symbolizing the realization of millions of families’ dream to live under their own flag in a free country. He noted that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan had entered a new era of revival and progress – the “New Uzbekistan” – aimed at building a bridge between the country’s rich past and a bright future.

Highlighting Uzbekistan’s remarkable economic performance, he revealed that despite global challenges, the country’s economy continues to grow by more than six percent annually. The GDP, which doubled in eight years to $115 billion, is expected to surpass $130 billion this year, while exports have grown to $26 billion. He also shared that gold and foreign exchange reserves have crossed $48 billion, and nearly $35 billion of investments this year alone are creating 9,000 new enterprises and service complexes.

The ambassador said Uzbekistan’s people-centered development had generated millions of jobs, with 700,000 expatriates returning home in recent months. Tourism is also booming, with over 10 million visitors bringing in more than $3 billion last year, while renewable energy is set to account for 54 percent of the energy mix by 2030.

On Uzbekistan-Pakistan ties, Tukhtaev highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Tashkent earlier this year as a milestone, during which both sides signed a Joint Declaration and established the High Council of Strategic Partnership. He particularly emphasized the importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which would connect Central Asia with South Asia, opening vast opportunities for trade and regional integration.

He noted that bilateral trade reached $404.5 million in 2024, with a 126 percent increase in the first seven months of this year alone. Uzbekistan has now become Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with leaders setting a target of $2 billion in trade volume. To this end, exhibitions, business forums, direct flights, and cultural events are deepening economic and people-to-people linkages.

Concluding his remarks, the ambassador thanked the government and people of Pakistan, the diplomatic corps, business community, media, and cultural figures for joining the celebration, while extending heartfelt wishes of peace, prosperity, and continued success to the brotherly people of Pakistan.