Статьи · Vol. 1 No. 4 (2026)

Uzbekistan and Pakistan: New Horizons for Strategic Partnership

Authors

  • Shaislam Akmalov PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor, International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Keywords

Uzbekistan Pakistan strategic partnership Central Asia South Asia regional connectivity transport diplomacy trans-Afghan corridor regional security economic diplomacy

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the formation of a strategic partnership between the two states. Drawing on official documents, analytical publications and press reporting, the study traces the historical preconditions of bilateral cooperation from the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, analyses the qualitative shift that followed the renewal of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy after 2016, and assesses the current state of political dialogue, economic diplomacy, transport connectivity and security cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the trans-Afghan transport corridor, to the Joint Declarations on Strategic Partnership of 2021 and 2022, and to the high-level visits of 2025-2026. The article argues that Uzbek-Pakistani relations have moved from declarative cooperation to the practical implementation of joint projects, and that their further development will depend principally on the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan, the realization of transport and logistics projects and the institutionalization of coordination mechanisms. The partnership is interpreted as an important element in the formation of a new geo-economic architecture linking Central and South Asia.

References

1. Akmalov, Sh. I. (2022). Modern Uzbek-Pakistani relations as an important element for the development of interconnectivity and cooperation in Central and South Asia. Oriental Journal of History, Politics and Law, 2(02), 231-238. https://doi.org/10.37547/supsci-ojhpl-02-02-30

2. Caspian Post. (2026, February 5). What defines the new phase in Uzbekistan-Pakistan ties. https:// caspianpost.com/analytics/what-defines-the-new-phase-in-uzbekistan-pakistan-ties

3. Chaudhry, S. F. (2025, March 20). Strategic importance of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Modern Diplomacy. https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/03/20/strategic-importance-of- bilateral-relations-between-pakistan-and-uzbekistan/

4. Dawn. (2026, April 21). Pakistan and Uzbekistan reaffirm resolve to expand trade, economic ties. https://www.dawn.com/news/1971425

5. Galimov, R. (2022). Interesy Pakistana v regione Tsentralnoy Azii: dinamika sotrudnichestva [Pakistan’s interests in the Central Asian region: the dynamics of cooperation]. https://cyberleninka. ru/article/n/interesy-pakistana-v-regione-tsentralnoy-azii-dinamika-sotrudnichestva

6. Khalid, I. (2026, February 5). Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations: Diplomacy, security, economy and regional cooperation. The Diplomatic Insight. https://thediplomaticinsight.com/pak-uzbek-relations- diplomacy-regional-cooperation/

7. Khan, H. (2026, February 10). Uzbekistan-Pakistan: Bet on trade corridors - OpEd. Modern Diplomacy. https://moderndiplomacy.eu/

8. Nematov, A. (2026). Posledovatelnoe razvitie uzbeksko-pakistanskikh otnosheniy otvechaet interesam nashikh stran [The consistent development of Uzbek-Pakistani relations meets the interests of our countries]. Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies. https://isrs.uz/ru/maqolalar/

9. NIPS. (2023). Uzbekistan-Pakistan Regional Connectivity: Political, Economic, Humanitarian and Academic Aspects. Islamabad: NUST Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Sciences and Technology. https://nips.nust.edu.pk/

10. Pakistan Today. (2025, November 15). Central Asia enters new era of cooperation as leaders gather in Tashkent. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/11/15/

11. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2025, December 26). Message of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Parliament and the people of Uzbekistan. https://president.uz/ru/ lists/view/8834 208 E-ISSN:3070-8370 Vol. 1, (Issue 4/2026)

12. Saud, A. (2026, February 5-6). Strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan - a key factor in strengthening Central and South Asia connectivity. Associated Press of Pakistan. https://www. app.com.pk/features/

13. SCO Secretariat. (2021, July 16). International conference "Central and South Asia: Regional Interconnectivity. Challenges and Opportunities". https://rus.sectsco.org/20210716/770324.html

14. The Asia Today. (2026, February 6). Bridges of friendship: Toward new horizons of Uzbek-Pakistani partnership. https://theasiatoday.org/essays/bridges-of-friendship-toward-new-horizons-of-uzbek- pakistani-partnership/ 209 E-ISSN:3070-8370