Uzbekistan Embassy Marks 34th Independence Day in Islamabad
Uzbekistan’s Economy Doubles in 8 Years; Ambassador Alisher Lauds Pakistan as Key Partner
Islamabad – September 1, 2025 (Adnan Hameed) : The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan hosted a reception to celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Federal Minister for Railways, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, was the Chief Guest at the ceremony, attended by diplomats, officials, businessmen, and distinguished guests.
In his address, Ambassador of Uzbekistan highlighted the country’s journey under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, calling it the era of the “New Uzbekistan.” He noted that Uzbekistan’s GDP had doubled in eight years, reaching $115 billion in 2024 and projected to cross $130 billion this year. He further stated that foreign investments of around $130 billion had been attracted, with $35 billion coming in 2025 alone, leading to the creation of thousands of enterprises and nearly 9,000 service complexes.
The Ambassador shared that small and medium-sized businesses now employ over 10 million people, while 5 million jobs were created in just the first eight months of 2025. He also highlighted that 700,000 Uzbek workers returned from abroad, believing in the future of their country.
Tourism and industry were also noted as major achievements. Last year, over 10 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, generating $3 billion revenue. Industrial output has risen from $29 billion in 2017 to $70 billion today. He further celebrated Uzbekistan’s national football team for qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history.
Turning to bilateral relations, the Ambassador underlined the growing partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, built on centuries of shared history and culture. He termed Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s February visit to Uzbekistan a milestone, with the signing of the Joint Declaration and the Protocol on the High Council of Strategic Partnership.
He emphasized the importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway project, linking Central Asia with South Asia, and noted that trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Pakistan reached $404.5 million in 2024, with $320 million achieved in the first seven months of 2025 alone.
The Ambassador also pointed out Uzbekistan’s visa facilitation for Pakistani citizens, the launch of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, Islamabad, and expanded cultural and business exchanges through forums, exhibitions, and roadshows across Pakistan.
Concluding, he expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan, the diplomatic corps, business community, media, and friends of Uzbekistan for joining the celebrations, wishing the people of Pakistan peace, prosperity, and continued success.
