Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations are the foreign relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are members of different international forums including the United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Pakistan-Uzbekistan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held on regular basis.
 | |
 Pakistan |
 Uzbekistan |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Pakistani Embassy, Tashkent[1] | Uzbek Embassy, Islamabad |
| Envoy | |
| Ambassador Irfan Yusuf Shami[1] | Ambassador Furqat Sidiqov[2] |
History
editRelations between the two states were established when the republic of Uzbekistan became independent following the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan, though relations between the two countries were initially strained by the situation in Afghanistan which both countries border as they supported opposing Afghan factions.[3] However, relations have improved after the fall of the Taliban,[4] and the death of Uzbek president Islam Karimov, and subsequent deepening of Uzbek outreach to regional countries under his successor Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Both countries have a cordial and deepening relationship as the two countries interests in Afghanistan have become aligned - with Uzbekistan formally hosting a Taliban delegation in 2019.[5] Pakistan further wishes to gain access to Central Asian markets, while landlocked Uzbekistan to access ports on the Arabian Sea.
Economic relations
editTrade between both countries is increasing,[6] rising threefold between 2018 and 2019,[7] though bilateral trade in 2018 was low at $90 million on account of difficulties in transit across war torn Afghanistan.[8] The first direct flights between the countries began in 2018 between Tashkent and Lahore launched by Uzbekistan Airways, and is expected to further increase trade between the two countries
Uzbeks in Pakistan
editThe Uzbek population in Pakistan numbers roughly 70,000, and consists of a small number of Uzbek immigrants from Uzbekistan, and a much larger number of Uzbek refugees from northern Afghanistan (around 2.3% of Afghans in Pakistan are Uzbeks).[9] 4000 words common in both languages are found in Pakistan and Uzbekistan National Languages.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Embassy of Pakistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan".
- ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uzbekistan".
- ^ "Musharraf signs Uzbek agreements". 6 March 2005 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Uzbekistan and Pakistan have wonderful cordial relations: Nasser Khan Janjua. | Pakistan Today". www.pakistantoday.com.pk.
- ^ Diplomat, Catherine Putz, The. "Afghanistan: A Region on Edge as Peace Talks Near the Finish Line". The Diplomat. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Bilateral Relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan" (PDF).
- ^ Tribune.com.pk (30 January 2019). "Pakistan-Uzbekistan trade rises threefold | The Express Tribune". tribune.com.pk. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
- ^ "Uzbekistan eyes $1bn bilateral trade potential with Pakistan". Business Recorder. 8 December 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
- ^ "Afghan Refugees: Current Status and Future Prospects" (PDF).
- ^ "25 years of Pak-Uzbek Relations". The Nation. 21 May 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
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