Leghari Highlights Energy Potential as Pakistan-Uzbekistan Ties Gain Momentum

Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said Pakistan and Uzbekistan have significant potential to expand cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower, infrastructure and investment. Speaking at a reception in Islamabad marking Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Day, he also highlighted the growing scope of bilateral economic relations.

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Leghari said ties between the two countries have expanded across trade, investment, energy, education, technology, agriculture, culture and defence. He noted that recent high-level visits, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Pakistan in February 2026, had provided fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.

Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev said the two countries are targeting an increase in bilateral trade to $2 billion within five years. He said both sides are working to improve investment, banking cooperation, trade facilities and the movement of goods, while direct air links between the two countries are also expanding.

Both sides also emphasized regional connectivity, with particular attention to the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway, which could strengthen trade links between Central and South Asia. The ambassador said the project could create economic opportunities, increase regional trade and contribute to peace and prosperity, while Pakistan’s access to the Arabian Sea could provide Uzbekistan with a route to international markets.

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