FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, FEB 28: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan cordially invite you to the Inauguration Ceremony of the Exhibition, “Uzbekistan National Dress & Fabric” on 2nd March 2022 at the Exhibition Hall of Pakistan-China Friendship Center, Garden Avenue, Shakarparian Road, Islamabad.

The exhibition is being facilitated by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

H.E Fawad Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting of Islamic Republic of Pakistan & Dr. Sardar Umurzakov, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan will grace the occasion as chief guest.

For the first time in Pakistan a vibrant display of Textiles and Fashion of Uzbekistan will be exhibited, don’t miss the opportunity and do visit the exhibition!

The inauguration ceremony will take place at 1500 hrs on 2nd March 2022, and the exhibition will be continued for two weeks at the Exhibition Hall of Pakistan-China Friendship Center, Islamabad.

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Developmental strategies of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan to foster regional connectivity

ISLAMABAD, FEB 25: A Roundtable discussion "State and Prospects for the Development of Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan’’ was held between the delegation of scholars from Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The event was organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

The discussion commenced with the welcome address by Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI (M), (Retd), President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

He welcomed the delegation of experts from Uzbekistan and all the worthy speaker. He shed light on the emerging socioeconomic and political scenario of Central and South Asia.

He stated that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for economic expansion. He also enlightened the audience about the prospects of cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Doniyor Kmuqurbanov, Director, Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, Uzbekistan shared his keynote remarks. He thanked Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) for organizing the discussion on significant theme.

He stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan relationship has been touching new heights due to cooperation in number of fields. He discussed developmental strategies of President Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Imran Khan to foster regional connectivity.

While enlightening the audience, Ambassador Doniyor also expressed his desire to enhance coordination with Pakistan’s institutions, especially CGSS.

The theme of the first session was ‘’Strengthening trade and economic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan’’.

Prof. Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Peshawar shared his expert opinion while highlighting significance of economic expansion between Pakistan and Uzbekistan vis-à-vis enhancing tourism.

He stated that it is essential to increase trade and production in textile, leather and other areas between both countries. Prof. Shabbir suggested that direct flights must be revive between both countries.

It is imperative to provide an impetus to foster economic cooperation via logistic corridor, i.e., Khyber-Pass Economic Corridor. For this, peace in Afghanistan is necessary. He stated that chambers from both countries must be taken on board.

Dr. Anvar Kobilov, Head of the sector in Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that trade cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has increased by five times in the last five years.

In 2021, trade turnover remained $181million. He enlightened the audience that 71 MOUs have been signed in different areas, which are significant to solidify joint relations.

Dr. Anvar also proposed future prospects for joint ventures between Pakistan and Uzbekistan while highlighting existing potential.

The theme of the second session was Enhancing connection of Central and South Asian regions: Vision of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal, Former Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting stated that connectivity is a cornerstone for enhancing coordination.

He stated that Mizar-e-Sharif Kabul Peshawar rail project is significant for economic expansion and build relations at higher level. Mr Ashfaq also shed light on the grand concept of Central-South Asia regional connectivity. 

He stated that strengthening people-to-people contacts are necessary to revive centuries old ties and spiritual legacy between Central-South Asia.

Ambassador Sherzod Fayziev, Head of the Department of the International Institute for Central Asia highlighted four priority areas given by President of Uzbekistan, Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

He stated that these major areas became roadmap to enhance coordination with neighboring countries and economic turnover. Ambassador Sherzod Fayziev stated that all Central Asian countries are interested to enhance cooperation with Pakistan.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘’vision Central Asia’’ via Afghanistan. He suggested that expansion in trade development, energy, industrial products, transport & logistics and fight against terrorism must be prioritized.  In this aspect, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) can be a great platform to reach towards culture and humanitarian cooperation.

The theme of the third session was Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan on combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

Mian Abdul Rauf, Former Advocate-General Islamabad & Prosecutor General of Pakistan under the Protection of Pakistan Act shared his expert opinion by explaining role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in order to deepen coordination between regional countries and tackle common threats, i.e., combating terrorism.

He stated that the key to connectivity is to enhance joint cooperation in business, trade, and commerce.

If these areas are disrupted by terrorism, it will have negative consequences. Thus, he suggested that there is a need to share information, knowledge, and expertise to combat joint threats and dispute management. 

Dr. Marat Aitov, Head of the Department of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan stated that peace in Afghanistan is important to counter drug trafficking and terrorism. He discussed that Pakistan-Uzbekistan security commission has been established and this commission will work effectively to counter joint threats.

Dr. Marat suggested that there is a need to counter threats from cyber-site because cyber-attacks have been increased. Thus, a resilient framework with a holistic approach can help counter grave threats.

Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed, (Retd, Senior Vice President, CGSS stated that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for sustainable development and economic expansion with Central Asia. In this regard, Pakistan and Uzbekistan must devise a holistic framework to curb rising tensions and indulge countries in regional cooperation.

Raja Muqsit Nawaz Khan, CEO, Raja Haq Nawaz Khan Law Associates (RHNKLA) discussed prospects for collaboration between Central-South Asia. He stated that Uzbekistan is playing an instrumental role in reviving Central-South Asian regional connectivity. 

In this aspect, legal framework must be established to counter common threats with a shared approach.  He also highlighted business-to-business prospects between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of Information and Analytical Center for International Relations gave the closing remarks. He thanked all the participants and speakers for a constructive discussion on enhancing Pakistan-Uzbekistan bilateral relations and resolving common issues with a shared approach.

He stated that peace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for our joint cooperation. Ambassador Kurbanov also suggested ways to stimulate Pakistan-Uzbekistan connectivity in number of areas.

Lieutenant General Aamer Riaz, HI(M), (Retd), President, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad also thanked scholar/expert delegation from Uzbekistan.

He stated that Pakistan wants to take bilateral strategic relationship to the next level in order to solve Afghanistan crisis. He stated that there is a lot of business opportunities between both countries. Thus, it will gain momentum in the days to come.

Senior management of Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) presented the delegation from Uzbekistan a book ‘His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev: A Visionary Statesman’’.

The book is published by CGSS and an important step to enhance people-to-people contacts and understand Uzbekistan’s policies in multiple aspects. CGSS memento was also presented to Ambassador Doniyor Kurbanov, Director of Information and Analytical Center for International Relations. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS.

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Tashkent, NOV 7: A solemn ceremony of inauguration of the President-elect of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place in Tashkent at a joint meeting of the chambers of the Oliy Majlis.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, heads of state and public organizations, representatives of the diplomatic corps, domestic and foreign media.

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission Z. Nizamkhodjayev opened the event. He noted that the Presidential elections held on October 24 were held in accordance with democratic principles, in the spirit of active political competition. According to the results of the voting, a candidate from the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businesspeople –Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev was elected to the post of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who received 80.12 percent of the vote.

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on behalf of the meeting participants and presented him with a certificate of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In accordance with Article 92 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the President took the oath: “I do solemnly swear to faithfully serve the people of Uzbekistan, to strictly follow the Constitution and laws of the Republic, to guarantee the rights and freedoms of its citizens, and to conscientiously exercise the duties vested on the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.

The National Anthem of Uzbekistan was played.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech on priority areas for the next five years.

“We have developed a Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan and widely discussed it together with the people during the election campaign. In this important conceptual document, to ensure the consistency and continuity of our transformations, the main idea is “From the Action Strategy to the Development Strategy”, the Head of the state said.

It was noted that this strategy consists of seven directions.

The first direction is building people’s state through the development of a free civil society. To this end, in the future, most of the state functions will be transferred from the center to the regions. Each mahalla will have the position of an assistant hokim. The district budget will receive funds from additional sources and separate funds will be formed for each mahalla. The central agencies will be transformed, a compact and effective management system will be created, and the agencies performing duplicate functions will be optimized.

“The leader should not be a burden for people, but, on the contrary, make their life easier”, the President said.

The second direction covers the tasks of strengthening justice and the rule of law, respect for the honor and dignity of a person. To this end, the judicial system and the institution of the legal profession, the activities of law enforcement agencies will be improved. Protection of the rights of entrepreneurs and owners will be strengthened. All the forces and means of the state and society will be aimed at eradicating corruption. Activities in this direction will not be limited to bringing the perpetrators to justice, but will also be aimed at eliminating the causes of corruption, using effective preventive measures.

In the third direction, plans for the development of the national economy have been outlined. The goal is that by 2030 Uzbekistan should enter a number of states with an above-average per capita income. This will be achieved primarily by stimulating the private sector and increasing its share, as well as attracting foreign direct investment. Priority measures will be taken to ensure macroeconomic stability and reduce inflation to 5 percent.

Major projects are planned to provide the population with housing and clean drinking water, build modern roads and communications, improve public transport and communications between regions.

Fourth, the issue of providing quality education and upbringing will be at the center of constant attention. It is planned to gradually increase the salary of teachers and by 2025 bring it to 1,000 dollars in equivalent. It is necessary to develop a National Education Program aimed at building new and strengthening the material and technical base of existing schools, ensuring continuous communication between all parts of the education system.

Broad conditions will be created for the protection of public health. In the next five years, it is planned to increase the salary of doctors of the highest category to 1 thousand dollars in equivalent. The coverage of specialized medical care in regions, districts and cities will expand. The system of state medical insurance will be launched. Funds will be allocated regarding a specific patient. The development of physical culture and sports, the establishment of a healthy lifestyle will remain an important task.

Within the framework of the fifth direction, the development of the spiritual and enlightenment sphere is envisaged. To this end, the concept of “New Uzbekistan – an enlightened society” will be implemented. Priority will be given to the development of culture and art, the formation of healthy convictions among young people, the strengthening of interethnic harmony and mutual respect.

Sixth, it is necessary to consolidate efforts in the search for solutions to global problems, develop appropriate steps at the national and regional levels, the Head of the state noted. The increasing negative impact of environmental threats was noted. The issues of the development of the zone of ecological innovations and technologies in the Aral Sea region, the development of the World Environmental Charter were considered.

The seventh direction contains the tasks of ensuring peace and security in the country, the development of international cooperation. It was noted that increasing the power of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, strengthening the combat readiness, physical and moral training of servicemen will continue to be an urgent task.

Uzbekistan will continue its pragmatic, balanced foreign policy and economic diplomacy. This is, first of all, the further strengthening of good-neighborliness and strategic partnership with the countries of Central Asia, as well as the expansion of mutually beneficial and multifaceted relations with partners in all regions of the world.

“In these exciting moments, I want to emphasize: as President, I consider the meaning of my life to faithfully serve our people, fully devoting myself to ensuring the peace and well-being of my native country, its development. For me, there is no other, higher goal and greater happiness. Dear compatriots, your sincere support, the blessing of the older generation, the trust shown by the youth, give me new strength and energy”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Thereupon, the joint meeting of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan has ended.

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Courtesy uzdaily

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ISLAMABAD, OCT 21: A Roundtable conference was arranged to discuss “New Uzbekistan-New Elections”. The roundtable was jointly organized by Embassy of Uzbekistan to Pakistan and Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Pakistan.

Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan in his opening remarks stated that people to people contact is very significant for regional connectivity.

The economic cooperation is very important keeping in view the current global developments. Ambassador of Uzbekistan also stated that Pakistan is the transit hub for international trade.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have promoted peace and stability in the region. At this occasion, special editions two magazines “Peace International” and “Diplomatic Focus”, devoted to Uzbekistan were also presented.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan thanked and payed tribute to the journalist community of Pakistan for playing a vital role in further cementing the brotherly ties between both nations.

Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS stated that CGSS has taken several initiatives to promote Central & South Asia connectivity. CGSS has engaged various universities across Pakistan in this regard.

Grand initiative of Central and South Asian regional connectivity by Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proved to be a milestone development for regional integration. 

Pakistan and Uzbekistan embarked on a new journey of prosperity, enhancing bilateral cooperation, joint ventures for regional peace and stability, and strengthening economic and strategic partnerships.

Major General Khalid Amir Jaffery HI(M), (Retd) in his keynote speech stated that our countries and people have always been connected. Our bilateral ties including trade, culture, religion and people to people connectivity is enhancing with the passing time.

He stated that all these initiatives are very important so that our youth gets to know each other. Therefore, interaction must be promoted between both the countries.

Dr. Zarmina Baloch, Assistant Professor. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University, Peshawar discussed Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s initiatives for regional connectivity.

She stated that his visionary leadership has made it possible for the countries to connect and prosper. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan due to his exceptional commercial diplomacy and inventive leadership has achieved greater regional connectivity.

Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Area Study Center (Russia, China & Central Asia), University of Peshawar stated that Pakistan will serve as a gateway for Uzbekistan. He explained why Uzbekistan is exceptional in Central Asia, he stated that Uzbekistan is a model of gradual reforms and prioritizing economy over politics and this model has mode Uzbekistan successful.

He stated that during the Presidency of Shavkat Mirziyoyev many issues have been resolved with consensus. He also praised His Excellency Aybek Arif Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Pakistan for playing a leading role in Central and South Asia connectivity.

He stated that smooth border crossing will ensure a good market and Uzbekistan has become the voice of all regional states.

The Roundtable was followed by the Book Launch ceremony that is compiled and published by CGSS on the idea of Central & South Asia Connectivity.

The title of the book is “Shavkat Mirziyoyev – A Visionary Statesman”. This Book is a collection of Research Articles written by senior academicians from various universities of Pakistan and practitioners from various sectors.

This is the first time that a Book of this kind has been published by any institute in Pakistan highlighting the fruitful initiatives of the Uzbek President and can prove to a cornerstone in promoting this vision globally.

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