Lahore, March 11, 2026: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed the Governor of Tashkent Province, Zoir Mirzaev, and his seven-member delegation to Lahore on Wednesday, marking a significant step in deepening social, cultural, and economic ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to declare Punjab and Tashkent as sister provinces and established a special committee to facilitate bilateral cooperation. They also discussed expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, including tourism, agriculture, livestock, meat processing, beverages, citrus fruits, and other industries. Uzbekistan proposed establishing a “Babur Park” in Lahore, which Pakistan agreed to consider.
Governor Mirzaev praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her efforts in restoring Lahore’s Mughal-era heritage sites, while Maryam Nawaz accepted an invitation to visit Uzbekistan. The governor also conveyed warm regards from the President of Uzbekistan to the people of Pakistan, particularly Punjab, and expressed delight over the local popularity of Uzbek cuisine, offering to send Uzbek chefs to train Pakistani cooks.
Reflecting on historical ties, Nawaz Sharif noted: “The first Mughal emperor of the Indian subcontinent came from Fergana, and his remarkable rule is still studied today. Lahore has a history thousands of years old and holds a special place in my heart.” He also highlighted Samarkand’s rich cultural and scholarly heritage, and praised Uzbek cuisine, particularly plov, which he said is widely appreciated in Pakistan.
Governor Mirzaev lauded Punjab’s promotion of tourism, archaeology, and heritage preservation, calling the restoration of historical sites under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership “commendable.” He emphasized that Uzbekistan looks forward to strengthening both social and economic cooperation with Pakistan.
The meeting underscored significant potential for economic collaboration. Mirzaev noted that Uzbekistan hosts approximately 2,500 companies in partnership with 74 countries, including 22 Pakistani-invested companies operating in textiles, agriculture, and meat processing. He highlighted the country’s strong demand for textiles, particularly polyester, and expressed optimism that the visit would lead to concrete economic outcomes.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz highlighted Punjab’s economic potential, stating that the province accounts for 70% of Pakistan’s agricultural output, with industrial hubs in Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Faisalabad. She noted that Pakistani rice, wheat, and maize are of high quality, while the province is increasingly focusing on value-added products in agriculture and livestock, including 300,000 livestock meeting international export standards.
Maryam Nawaz also pointed to Punjab’s growing leadership in the textile sector, noting that Pakistani bedsheets, towels, and other textile products are internationally appreciated. She emphasized that collaboration with Uzbekistan could “surprise the world” through mutually beneficial trade and investment.
Both sides reaffirmed a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across cultural, social, and economic domains. The Uzbek delegation expressed hope that ongoing cooperation and the visit of potential investors would yield productive results.
Maryam Nawaz concluded: “Uzbekistan is a brotherly country, and Pakistan is committed to strengthening our social and economic ties. The shared history, culture, and mutual respect between our nations lay a strong foundation for a lasting partnership.”
The meeting highlighted Lahore and Punjab’s pivotal role in promoting historical preservation, tourism, and trade, while positioning Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations for expanded collaboration in the years ahead.
