Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again called on Afghanistan’s interim government to ensure that its territory is not used to undermine Pakistan’s security. He emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan are critical for the stability of the entire region.
During a joint press conference with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude for Uzbekistan’s warm hospitality and highlighted the strong historical ties between the two nations. He noted that the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan are moving in a positive direction.
The prime minister stressed the need to further enhance trade and investment, referring to Uzbekistan as a reliable partner. He reiterated his commitment to economic growth, emphasizing the importance of working together for prosperity and development. He also praised President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, noting that his practical approach had brought significant progress to Uzbekistan.
Inviting Uzbek investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed his dedication to national development, following the vision set by Nawaz Sharif. He underscored that hard work and determination are essential for achieving economic success.
The prime minister vowed to strengthen bilateral ties with Uzbekistan, asserting that his team is fully committed to advancing the relationship to new heights. He also highlighted the economic stabilization efforts in Pakistan, stating that inflation had decreased from 38% to 2.4%, and lower policy rates have helped restore investor confidence and foster economic growth.
PM Shehbaz mentioned that Pakistan would learn from Uzbekistan’s development model and work relentlessly to restore its economic standing. He emphasized the importance of enhancing trade via railways and shared updates on discussions regarding investment in the mineral sector. Investment in economic zones and collaboration in the tourism sector were also outlined as key priorities.
In a significant announcement, the prime minister revealed plans to link Uzbekistan with Karachi and Lahore, revitalizing historic trade routes such as the Silk Road. He expressed confidence that upcoming agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries would soon come to fruition.
Reiterating his position on Afghanistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz once again urged Kabul’s interim government to ensure that its land is not used against Pakistan. He emphasized that Afghanistan’s stability is vital for regional peace and prosperity.
