ISSI hosts launch of book titled

By Ramzan Mughal

ISLAMABAD – The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Embassy of Uzbekistan, hosted the launch of the book titled “Shavkat Mirziyoyev: A Great Leader of Reforms and Regional Integration” on November 07, 2025. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Aurengzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture Division. Other speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General, ISSI; Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC), ISSI; H.E. Alisher Tuhtayev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan; Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hasan Khan, author; Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery, President of the Centre for South Asia and International Studies, Islamabad; and Professor Dr. Adam Saud, Dean of Bahria University, Islamabad.

The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Uzbekistan, followed by the screening of a video highlighting the achievements and activities of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In his introductory remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir congratulated Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hassan Khan on his important contribution. He noted that the book highlights President Mirziyoyev’s visionary leadership and Uzbekistan’s reform process. He also spoke about the growing momentum in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations and their shared vision for regional connectivity.

Chief Guest Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the book celebrates the visionary leadership shaping Uzbekistan’s future. He noted that President Mirziyoyev’s reform agenda is a model for others. He described Uzbekistan as a wonderful country and stressed that greater connectivity is bringing Pakistan and Uzbekistan closer. Appreciating the Uzbek President’s vision, he said the book reflects the growing strength of bilateral relations.

Ambassador Alisher Tuhtayev, in his congratulatory address, praised the strong friendship between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He noted that the book reflects deep academic interest in Uzbekistan’s economic model and years of dedicated research. Highlighting President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, he said it captures key economic and social reforms and regional connectivity. He appreciated the author’s effort, calling the book a gesture that strengthens Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood lauded the author for his insightful and comprehensive study that vividly portrays Uzbekistan’s remarkable transformation under the visionary leadership of President Mirziyoyev. He noted that since assuming office in 2016, President Mirziyoyev has led an ambitious reform agenda that reinvigorated Uzbekistan’s internal governance and reshaped its foreign policy outlook. He highlighted the Uzbek President’s inclusive approach, commitment to modernisation, and efforts to build a “social state” focused on education, poverty reduction, and employment generation. He further emphasised Uzbekistan’s proactive diplomacy in fostering regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Surkhan–Pul-e-Khumri Power Transmission Project, reflecting its constructive role in strengthening regional connectivity and integration.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underscored that Pakistan and Uzbekistan share deep-rooted bonds of faith, history, and culture, and have a developed a strategic partnership grounded in mutual trust and shared aspirations. He pointed to growing cooperation in trade, transport, energy, and security, as well as expanding cultural and educational linkages between the two nations. He also highlighted Pakistan’s ‘Vision Central Asia’ and its five-pronged approach–covering political and diplomatic, trade and economic, energy and connectivity, security and defence, culture and people-to-people exchanges. He added that projects like CPEC, CASA-1000, and the Trans-Afghan Railway are central to realizing the vision of regional connectivity. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also noted 2026 marks the 500th anniversary of establishment of the Mughal Empire in the subcontinent by Zaheer-ud-din Babar, who came from the Ferghana Velley in Uzbekistan. As proud heirs of that legacy, he stressed, Pakistan and Uzbekistan should commemorate that landmark event in a befitting manner.

Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hasan Khan said the completion of this book marks a proud moment for Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and the wider Central Asian region. He thanked Ambassador Tuhtayev, Uzbek think-tanks, and scholars for their cooperation. Highlighting President Mirziyoyev’s leadership, he noted that Uzbekistan’s reforms have driven economic growth, reduced poverty, and promoted modernisation. He added that the book, covering over 39 areas, reflects the deepening partnership and shared vision between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Major General Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery (R) highlighted Uzbekistan’s transformation under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership and his vision of a “New Uzbekistan” focused on openness, modernisation, and global integration. He noted progress in economic liberalisation, infrastructure, renewable energy, and human capital development, emphasising that these reforms are making Uzbekistan a dynamic, connected, and forward-looking nation.

Professor Adam Saud highlighted that under President Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan’s per capita income has doubled, reflecting strong economic progress. He noted that enhanced intra-regional connectivity and trade are benefiting Central and South Asia, particularly Pakistan, through free trade and transit agreements. He also emphasised education exchanges and encouraged scholars to read the book for deeper insights.

The event was attended by a cross-section of people including diplomats, senior officials, academics, think-tank experts, and representatives of the media.