Uzbekistan, Pakistan Strengthen Counterterrorism & Regional Cooperation Efforts

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of coordinated counterterrorism measures and strategic partnerships during their meeting in Tashkent.

Ahead of the Pakistani Prime Minister’s visit, a high-ranking Taliban delegation, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, also traveled to Uzbekistan. According to a press release from Baradar’s office, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the group’s policy of neutrality in foreign affairs. “Our foreign policy towards neighbouring and regional countries is based on neutrality and non-interference, and we expect the same from our neighbours and the international community,” he stated. Baradar also assured regional nations that Afghan territory would not pose a security threat to them.

On Tuesday, Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Uzbekistan for an official two-day visit. During their meeting, Mirziyoyev and Sharif emphasised the need for collaboration on infrastructure projects, particularly the Afghan-Trans railway initiative. Uzbekistan had previously announced that construction on the railway would commence this year.

The estimated cost of the project has been assessed at $4.6 billion by the Uzbek Transport Design and Research Institute, whereas Pakistan’s estimates suggest the cost could reach $8.2 billion.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Uzbek presidency noted that Mirziyoyev and Sharif discussed key regional, trade, and international matters. According to the statement, freight transport along the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan corridor has increased fivefold in recent years.

Following their discussions, the two leaders agreed to formulate a joint roadmap to implement the agreed-upon initiatives, further strengthening economic and security ties between the two nations.