'Significant scope' in Pakistan-Uzbekistan energy cooperation

Pakistan and Uzbekistan have vast potential to expand cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower, energy infrastructure and investment, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said on Wednesday.

Addressing a reception marking the 35th Independence Day of Uzbekistan, the minister said stronger energy cooperation could become an important component of broader economic partnership and regional integration.

Leghari said the relationship had gained fresh momentum following the visits of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and President Mirziyoyev to Pakistan in February 2026. The signing of agreements in trade, mining, information technology, education, agriculture, maritime affairs and defence reflected the growing depth of cooperation.

The minister stressed the need to facilitate greater interaction between business communities and encourage investment and joint ventures to achieve an ambitious bilateral trade target.

"As federal minister for energy, I particularly see significant scope for expanding cooperation in the energy sector," Leghari said, adding that the two countries could enhance collaboration in energy infrastructure, electricity connectivity, renewable energy, hydropower and investment.

The minister said connectivity was central to the shared vision. Pakistan provides Uzbekistan with a gateway to the Arabian Sea and international markets, while Uzbekistan offers Pakistan access to growing Central Asian markets.

Leghari said the two countries were working closely through the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Economic Cooperation Organisation, reflecting their shared commitment to peace, stability, dialogue and regional economic cooperation.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations would continue to grow, calling for joint efforts to translate potential into greater trade, investment, energy cooperation, connectivity and prosperity for both countries.