Islamabad, Apr 5, 2025: On the sidelines of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tashkent, the Honorable Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, held a productive meeting with H.E. Ms. Tanzila K. Narbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
This marks the second engagement between the two leaders, following their earlier meeting in Baku during the APA gathering.
This visit also signifies Chairman Gilani’s second trip to Uzbekistan, the first being in 2011 during his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Reaffirming Historical Bonds and Strategic Priorities
During the meeting, both dignitaries highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious ties that have long united Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Emphasizing the need to unlock the full potential of their relationship, they reiterated the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation, trade, and regional connectivity.
Chairman Gilani lauded Uzbekistan’s successful hosting of the 150th IPU Assembly and congratulated the Uzbek leadership on the peaceful conduct of the parliamentary elections in October 2024.
Read More: Gilani Designated Founding Chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC)
He also referred to the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 as a strategic milestone, during which multiple MoUs were signed to enhance bilateral collaboration.
Advancing Regional Connectivity and Trade
Both sides stressed the need to intensify high-level exchanges to reinforce diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
Particular attention was given to the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, seen as a crucial link for improving trade routes and boosting regional integration.
Expanding road and railway connectivity between the two countries was identified as a strategic priority.
On the economic front, the two leaders acknowledged growth in bilateral trade but agreed that current volumes remain below their true potential.
They committed to increasing trade to at least $2 billion in the coming years.
Chairman Gilani proposed holding frequent Joint Business Forums, Single Country Exhibitions, and Logistics Forums to support greater interaction between Pakistani and Uzbek business communities.
Enhancing Air and Parliamentary Connectivity
With geographical proximity as a shared advantage, both leaders stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity.
Chairman Gilani welcomed the resumption of direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent and advocated for expanding flight routes to other major cities in both countries to facilitate tourism, commerce, and cultural exchanges.
On the parliamentary front, the Chairman emphasized the active role of Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both nations and proposed increasing the frequency of parliamentary visits and joint sessions to deepen legislative cooperation.
A Vision for a Stronger Partnership
The meeting concluded with Chairman Gilani extending a formal invitation to Chairperson Narbaeva to visit Pakistan to further strengthen inter-parliamentary relations.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Uzbekistan in all areas of mutual interest.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-Uzbekistan ties and pledged to work together for a more interconnected, prosperous, and strategically aligned regional partnership.
