LAHORE:- Pakistan and Uzbekistan have decided to declare Punjab and Tashkent as ‘brother provinces’.
The decision was reached during a meeting in Lahore today between a delegation from Uzbekistan, led by the Governor of Tashkent, Zoyir Mirzayev, and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, who was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
They agreed to boost economic cooperation in several sector including tourism, agriculture, livestock, meat processing, beverages and citrus fruit.
The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Pakistan continues to actively contribute to the development of interregional cooperation between our countries and to strengthening business ties between the regions of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Today, in the beautiful and historic city of Lahore, an important meeting took place between the Governor of Tashkent Region Zoir Mirzaev, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), His Excellency Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and the Chief Minister of Punjab, Her Excellency Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
During the meeting, the sides agreed to promote cooperation between Tashkent Region and the Province of Punjab as “sister regions.” Particular attention was given to the prospects for cooperation in agriculture, textiles, tourism, livestock, and investment, as well as to the development of cultural initiatives.
A proposal from Uzbekistan to establish a Babur Park in Lahore also came under consideration. The Tashkent governor praised the restoration of Mughal-era heritage sites in Lahore and commended the efforts of the Punjab government in preserving historical landmarks.
Governor Mirzaev conveyed a message of goodwill from the president of Uzbekistan for the people of Pakistan, particularly those in Punjab. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz thanked him for the sentiments and accepted the invitation to visit Uzbekistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Nawaz Sharif said the people of Pakistan take pride in Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and scholarly heritage, noting that Samarkand has historically been a centre of knowledge and learning. He remarked that the first Mughal emperor came to the subcontinent from Fergana Valley and that his remarkable rule continues to be remembered in history.
He also highlighted Lahore’s centuries-old heritage and expressed his deep affection for the city, recalling that he would often visit Lahore even during his tenure as prime minister.
Governor Mirzaev described his meeting with Nawaz Sharif as an honour and expressed optimism about expanding social and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He said Uzbekistan offers significant opportunities for collaboration in sectors including tourism, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, adding that demand for textiles—particularly polyester—is high in Uzbekistan and Pakistani companies would be welcomed for joint ventures.
