PM Imran, President Shavkat hold one-on-one meeting; Agree to lobby to unfreeze Afghan assets
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that Pakistan and Uzbekistan have expressed commitment to revive the traditional cooperative partnership through improved connectivity.
At a joint press conference with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev here, Prime Minister Imran Khan said it is matter of satisfaction that trade between the two brotherly countries increased by 50 percent in last one year while joint ventures between the business communities of the two countries enhanced by 5 percent.
He said, “We have decided to resume direct flights between the two countries that will not only improve connectivity but will help promote tourism and trade.”
He said a train route with Uzbekistan will help boost linkages with Central Asian States which will also benefit the war-torn Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister said both countries will jointly produce a film on Mughal Emperor Zahir-ud-Din Muhammad Babur.
He said he has shared his narrative on human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the Uzbek President.
The Prime Minister said the United Nations should fully implement the international law against human rights violations in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Over Afghanistan issue, the Prime Minister said, “We will be lobbying to unfreeze the assets of Afghanistan. He said campaign will be launched to devise ways and suggest measures for the recognition of Afghanistan.
The two Leaders welcomed the signing of Preferential Trade Agreement between Uzbekistan and Pakistan and the entry into force of the Transit Trade Agreement. They agreed on the need to fast track measures to further expand the connectivity agenda and economic integration.
Both the leaders reaffirmed the important role of the Termez-Mazar-e-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway project for the future of the region.
It was agreed to evolve a joint Road Map, which includes measures to develop a feasibility study for the project and start construction work on both sides.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of air, rail and road connectivity. “We think that what is happening in IIOJK is a great injustice. It is a violation of international laws and the United Nations Security Council resolutions,” he said, adding that the global community should enforce the laws.
PM Imran also stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan had the same stance of Islamophobia, which was that no one could insult Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) under the guise of freedom of speech. “Muslims countries should come together and carry out a campaign,” he said.
He noted that recently Pakistan had led a similar campaign which was recognised by two Western leaders including Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed his thanks to the Prime Minister of Imran Khan and the people of Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him personally and the Uzbek delegation and expressed his best wishes for their continued progress and prosperity.
