Uzbekistan has recently made a significant announcement regarding the launch of a direct flight operation between Tashkent and Karachi in 2025, signaling a major milestone in the growing bilateral relations between the two Central Asian and South Asian nations. This initiative is expected to further boost connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate the movement of goods and services between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The announcement comes on the back of several developments aimed at strengthening economic, trade, and tourism ties between the two countries.
In September 2023, Uzbekistan implemented a soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens, making it easier for travelers from Pakistan to visit Uzbekistan for business or tourism. This move is expected to attract more Pakistani tourists, entrepreneurs, and investors to explore opportunities in Uzbekistan’s emerging economy. Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, expressed that the easing of visa restrictions marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship, with people-to-people connectivity being the key to strengthening these ties. “We are creating avenues for our Pakistani friends to explore the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, and at the same time, we are welcoming their investments and businesses to contribute to our growing economy,” Tukhtaev said during a recent address to the media.
Over the past five years, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has experienced impressive growth, with mutual trade rising significantly from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023. This sharp increase is a reflection of the concerted efforts by both governments to deepen trade relations and explore new sectors for cooperation. Pakistan’s main exports to Uzbekistan include textiles, pharmaceuticals, rice, and machinery, while Uzbekistan exports cotton, fruits, and natural gas to Pakistan. The trade has not only grown in volume but also in diversity, as both countries continue to look for new areas of collaboration.
The burgeoning trade between the two countries is also supported by an increase in diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at facilitating easier business exchanges. In 2022, both countries established a joint economic commission to oversee bilateral economic cooperation and identify new opportunities for collaboration. Furthermore, both governments have explored the possibility of enhancing trade routes, including rail and road infrastructure, to further facilitate the flow of goods. Pakistan has also shown interest in investing in Uzbekistan’s energy and agricultural sectors, while Uzbekistan has explored opportunities to partner with Pakistani companies in information technology and manufacturing.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted the positive developments in trade during a recent visit to Uzbekistan, where he met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. “The growing trade volume between our two countries is a testament to the hard work and commitment on both sides. We are focused on building a prosperous future together, based on mutual respect and shared economic interests,” Sharif stated. His remarks underscore Pakistan’s vision of enhancing economic ties with Uzbekistan, with both countries acknowledging the importance of cooperation to achieve long-term growth and stability.
President Mirziyoyev echoed these sentiments, stressing the significance of the bilateral relationship and the importance of expanding trade and economic cooperation. “Uzbekistan views its relationship with Pakistan as one of great importance. Both our countries have immense potential, and it is time for us to harness these opportunities for the benefit of our peoples. The direct flight service between our countries in 2025 is just the beginning of a deeper partnership,” Mirziyoyev said during his interaction with Pakistani officials.
In addition to the growing trade relations, tourism between the two countries is poised for further expansion. With the launch of the direct flight in 2025, it is anticipated that tourism will see a notable uptick, particularly for Uzbek citizens visiting Pakistan’s diverse cultural and historical sites. Uzbekistan’s ancient cities, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, are known for their rich history, while Pakistan offers destinations like Hunza, Swat, and the historic city of Lahore. Both governments are keen on promoting these destinations through targeted marketing campaigns to attract tourists and boost bilateral tourism.
The soft visa regime has already seen a significant rise in the number of Pakistani tourists visiting Uzbekistan, with the number of Pakistani nationals visiting Uzbekistan increasing by more than 50% in the first year of the visa relaxation. In 2023, around 30,000 Pakistani tourists visited Uzbekistan, and the expectation is that this number will continue to grow with the introduction of the direct flight. The cultural exchanges, particularly in the field of tourism, are seen as a critical part of the two countries’ efforts to build a more holistic and diversified partnership.
Economists and industry experts have also weighed in on the growing relationship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Dr. Abdul Rashid, an economist based in Islamabad, emphasized the importance of enhanced trade relations in fostering regional economic integration. “The growth in trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan is not only beneficial for both countries but also for the broader region. By enhancing connectivity and trade, both countries are creating new pathways for regional cooperation that can pave the way for stronger economic ties across Central Asia and South Asia,” Dr. Rashid noted.
Uzbekistan’s rising importance as a trade partner for Pakistan is evident in the changing dynamics of regional trade flows. With Uzbekistan becoming a key player in Central Asia’s economic landscape, Pakistan sees it as a vital partner in its own efforts to bolster trade and access new markets. In recent years, Uzbekistan has emerged as a potential hub for trade between Pakistan and other Central Asian countries, such as Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. By leveraging their geographical proximity and shared interests, both Pakistan and Uzbekistan have made significant strides in improving connectivity and trade infrastructure.
In a related development, Pakistan’s aviation industry has also witnessed a boost with the announcement of new flight operations by Flyadeal, a Saudi airline. Flyadeal, which is set to begin operations in Pakistan from February 2, 2025, will operate flights from Riyadh to Karachi, with additional flights between Karachi, Riyadh, and Jeddah. This move is expected to enhance connectivity between Pakistan and the Gulf region, and the airline’s first flight to Karachi will be marked by a water salute ceremony by the airport authorities. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has already granted Flyadeal approval for its air operations in Pakistan. This development comes at a time when Uzbekistan and Pakistan are working on increasing direct air routes, reinforcing the idea that aviation connectivity plays a crucial role in fostering closer economic and cultural ties between countries.
As both countries continue to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties, there is a growing sense of optimism about the future of their bilateral relationship. The increase in trade, coupled with the introduction of direct flights and the easing of visa restrictions, is expected to foster closer ties between their people and businesses. With both governments committed to expanding their cooperation, the prospects for further growth in trade, tourism, and investment look bright.
In conclusion, the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan have witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, with the growth in trade and tourism being at the forefront of this evolving partnership. The implementation of a soft visa regime, the establishment of a joint economic commission, the upcoming launch of direct flights between the two countries, and the introduction of Flyadeal’s operations into Pakistan are all key steps in strengthening these ties. As both countries continue to explore new avenues for cooperation, it is clear that the future of their bilateral relationship holds great promise, with substantial benefits for their peoples and economies.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
