Power minister highlights energy cooperation potential with Uzbekistan

September 02, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Uzbekistan have vast potential to expand cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower, energy infrastructure and investment, with stronger energy ties expected to become a key pillar of the two countries' broader economic partnership and regional integration.

Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari made these remarks while addressing a reception held to mark the 35th Independence Day of Uzbekistan, where he extended warm felicitations to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the government and people of Uzbekistan, conveying Pakistan's best wishes for the country's continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress.

Minister Leghari said Pakistan held deep admiration for the achievements of the Uzbek people and valued the historic bonds between the two nations, rooted in shared Islamic culture and civilisation.

He recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan's independence, with formal diplomatic relations established in 1992, adding that the two countries would mark the 35th anniversary of these ties in May 2027, APP reported.

The minister said bilateral relations had matured into a strong partnership built on mutual respect and shared historical and cultural values, with cooperation now spanning trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, science and technology, and culture.

He noted the relationship had gained renewed momentum following Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and President Mirziyoyev's visit to Pakistan in February 2026, during which several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed across trade, mining, information technology, education, agriculture, maritime affairs and defence.

Highlighting the economic dimension of the relationship, Leghari said the two countries had set an ambitious bilateral trade target and stressed the need for greater interaction between their business communities to encourage investment and joint ventures.

As the minister overseeing the energy portfolio, he said he saw considerable scope for expanding cooperation in energy infrastructure, electricity connectivity, renewable energy and hydropower, along with the exchange of expertise in building resilient and sustainable energy systems.

He said connectivity remained central to the shared vision of the two countries, with Pakistan offering Uzbekistan a gateway to the Arabian Sea and international markets, and Uzbekistan providing Pakistan access to the expanding markets of Central Asia.

Minister Leghari added that the two sides were also engaged closely through the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Economic Cooperation Organization, reflecting their shared commitment to regional peace, dialogue and economic cooperation, and commended Uzbekistan's constructive role in promoting regional connectivity.

The minister expressed confidence that Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations would continue to strengthen, calling for joint efforts to translate existing potential into greater trade, investment, energy cooperation and connectivity for the benefit of both peoples, and reiterated his congratulations to President Mirziyoyev and the people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of independence day.

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