Islamabad (Hassan Raza) On September 1, 2025, the Embassy of our country in Islamabad celebrated in a grand manner the 34th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
✨ More than 500 guests — ministers of the Government of Pakistan, members of parliament, representatives of the armed forces, the diplomatic corps, business and academic circles, media representatives, as well as our compatriots — gathered together to mark this historic occasion.
📌 The Chief Guest of the evening was the Federal Minister for Railways of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who, on behalf of the Prime Minister, His Excellency Shahbaz Sharif, conveyed to the people of Uzbekistan the warmest congratulations and sincere wishes of peace, stability, and prosperity.
💬 In my speech, I emphasized:
✅️ thanks to the firm political will of the leaders of both countries, relations have reached the level of a strategic partnership;
✅️ despite global challenges, Uzbekistan’s economy continues to grow steadily: GDP will soon reach $130 billion, gold and foreign exchange reserves have exceeded $48 billion, and export capacity has risen to $26 billion;
✅️ new projects are being implemented in trade, industry, and transport, including the construction of the “Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan” railway, which will open up historic opportunities for integration between Central and South Asia;
✅️ the historic qualification of the Uzbekistan national football team for the World Cup, which has become a source of pride for our nation and a symbol of new energy for our country;
✅️ Uzbekistan has become Pakistan’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, and the leaders of both countries have set the task of increasing mutual trade to $2 billion in the near future.
🌍 The two brotherly nations are united not only by economic interests but also by common history, culture, and spiritual values. Direct flights between Tashkent–Islamabad and Tashkent–Lahore, business forums, cultural festivals, and simplified visa procedures are bringing us even closer.
🎶 The festive atmosphere was enriched by songs and dances performed by artists from Khorezm, a photo exhibition dedicated to the achievements of our country, as well as a lavish table of Uzbek delicacies: fragrant pilaf, samosa, yumurtabarak, kotirbarak, assorted kebabs, chak-chak, a variety of sweets, fresh fruits, and the famous Uzbek melons. A special performance prepared by our children made a deep impression on the guests, receiving heartfelt applause and adding warmth and a family spirit to the evening.
🙌 This evening became a vivid symbol of the growing friendship between our nations.
Long live the brotherhood of Uzbekistan and Pakistan!