Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon convened on Thursday to review and advance bilateral cooperation in key sectors including politics, trade, energy, defence, security, and regional connectivity.
During the high-level meeting, both leaders agreed to explore new avenues for collaboration, emphasizing the importance of investment, educational exchange programs, cultural ties, IT cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Dushanbe at the invitation of the Tajik government to participate in the International High-Level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation (ICGP), taking place from May 29 to 31, 2025. He was accompanied by a senior delegation, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda and later received by President Rahmon at the Qasr-e-Millat.
The two leaders held comprehensive discussions covering bilateral ties and regional issues. They reflected positively on the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed during Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Dushanbe in July 2024, which laid a strong foundation for enhancing mutual relations based on shared culture, history, and geography.
Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to CASA-1000 as a critical project for regional energy connectivity, welcoming the recent meeting of the CASA-1000 Inter-Governmental Council held in Dushanbe on May 15. Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the project’s timely completion.
Regarding economic ties, they recognized the potential for expanding bilateral trade and agreed to implement decisions taken during the 7th session of the Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission held in Islamabad in December 2024. They also pledged to leverage existing institutional mechanisms, including twelve Joint Working Groups, especially in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.
On defence and security cooperation, both leaders committed to strengthening collaboration to address shared challenges such as terrorism, transnational crime, and human and drug trafficking.
The discussion also covered regional and international developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the peaceful resolution of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border dispute and commended President Rahmon’s leadership in promoting regional stability.
They expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation at multilateral platforms including the UN, OIC, SCO, and ECO, and reaffirmed their intent to continue working closely on issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s close and enduring relationship with Tajikistan and emphasized the importance of deepening this engagement, particularly through enhanced connectivity with Central Asia. He underscored the strategic significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in this regard.
Addressing regional tensions, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over India’s actions since May 7, describing them as violations of international law and acts of aggression. He called on the international community to hold India accountable, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace but affirming its right to defend its sovereignty.
He further emphasized the need to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions to ensure lasting peace in South Asia. President Rahmon, reaffirming his country’s friendship with Pakistan, expressed concern over the recent developments and praised Prime Minister Shehbaz’s leadership during this critical period.
President Rahmon emphasized Tajikistan’s intention to expand cooperation in areas such as science and technology, agriculture, hydropower, industry, and tourism, and acknowledged Pakistan as a reliable partner. He also appreciated Pakistan’s support for water diplomacy and lauded its role in global climate and environmental initiatives.
The Prime Minister extended an official invitation to President Rahmon for a visit to Islamabad to further solidify the strategic partnership. In honor of the Pakistani delegation, President Rahmon hosted a special reception.
