ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Tuesday agreed to boost bilateral ties across key sectors, including education, trade, transport, and cultural heritage. The two sides even floated a proposal to co-produce a historical TV drama to celebrate their shared roots.

The decisions were made during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, and Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, in Islamabad.

Describing Uzbekistan as a "second homeland" and a vital Central Asian partner, Minister Iqbal emphasized the deep historical and cultural bonds connecting the two nations.

Boosting Direct Flights and Trade

A major focus of the talks was improving regional connectivity. The officials reviewed ways to support the current Tashkent–Lahore air route and discussed launching new direct flights between Karachi and major Uzbek cities. The move aims to cut travel times, boost tourism, and make it easier for businesses to connect.

Beyond transport, the discussions mapped out expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, livestock development, and communications to drive economic integration.

Joint Degrees and Language Learning

In the educational sphere, the two countries explored setting up joint degree programs with shared accreditation to ensure qualifications are recognized internationally. They also discussed student and faculty exchanges and joint research projects.

Minister Iqbal noted that Uzbekistan could become a prime destination for Pakistani scholars wanting to learn the Russian language, opening doors to regional scientific and technological resources.

Shared History and a TV Drama

The meeting also took a cultural turn, with both sides discussing a potential multi-episode historical drama about the life of Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire who was born in modern-day Uzbekistan.

Iqbal praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to preserve Islamic heritage, pointing to the restored Imam Al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand and the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, noting that these sites hold immense interest for Pakistanis.

Ambassador Tukhtaev wrapped up the meeting by praising Pakistan's role in maintaining regional peace and stability, congratulating the country's leadership for its commitment to diplomatic dialogue.