Uzbekistan has entered a new era of growth marked by comprehensive reforms across all sectors of governance, economy, science, and development. Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Ambassador AlisherTukhtaev, stated this while addressing the launching ceremony of a book titled ‘New Uzbekistan: The Path of ShavkatMirziyoyev’ organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, in collaboration with the Embassy of Uzbekistan at the IRS here Wednesday.
Interestingly, ‘New Uzbekistan: The Path of ShavkatMirziyoyev’ is the third book in three consecutive months published/launched in Pakistan on the leadership and reforms introduced by President Mirziyoyev in Uzbekistan. Last month, ‘ShavkatMirziyoyev: A Great Leader of Reforms and Regional Integration’ written by DrMehmoodul Hassan Khan was launched at the ISSI and in October also a book ‘Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance – Concept of the Future’ written by Muhammad Abbas Khan was launched.
Wednesday’s launching ceremony saw in attendance a large number of diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and members of civil society. Member of the Senate Committee of Uzbekistan Hassan Irmatov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center, EldorTulyakov, Spokesperson to President, MurtazaSolangi and President IRS, Ambassador JauharSaleem spoke on the occasion and discussed various aspects of the book.
Ambassador AlisherTukhtaev commended the IRS for organizing the ceremony and shared with the audience that under President ShavkatMirziyoyev’s leadership, Uzbekistan has renewed public confidence in the country’s future, reflecting in tangible economic gains, including an increase in GDP from USD 115 billion to USD 140 billion and foreign exchange reserves from USD 48 billion to USD 59 billion.
Highlighting bilateral relations, Ambassador Tukhtaev described Pakistan and Uzbekistan as genuine partners bound by a long-term cooperation framework and mutual trust. He noted positive developments such as visa facilitation for Pakistani nationals through e-visa regimes, expanded direct flight connectivity between Tashkent and Islamabad and Lahore, with Karachi to be added next year, and growing trade volumes expected to rise from USD 404 million in 2024 to USD 450 million this year.
Mr. Hassan Irmatov, described the book as a leadership-oriented and analytical work that provides insights into contemporary governance and state transformation.
Recalling the book’s earlier launches in the United States and at the United Nations Headquarters, attended by senior lawmakers, UN officials, and civil society representatives, he termed the Islamabad launch an important milestone in the book’s growing international outreach and a reflection of strengthening Pak–Uzbek relations.
Mr. EldorTulyakov elaborated on the profound transformation of Uzbekistan’s public administration over the past eight years. He emphasized that governance reforms have redefined the relationship between the state and citizens, placing human dignity at the center of policymaking.
Transparency, participatory budgeting, institutionalized accountability, and service-oriented governance were highlighted as key pillars of reform.
MurtazaSolangi, emphasized the deep cultural, historical, and geographical affinities between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He noted that the two countries are connected by shared heritage, linguistic similarities, and close physical proximity, with vast untapped potential for cooperation in education, agriculture, technology, culture, and trade.
