Remarks by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Book Launch: “Shavkat Mirziyoyev – A Great Leader of Reforms and Regional Integration”, November 7, 2025
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
It is a great privilege to welcome you all to the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) for today’s launch of the book titled, “Shavkat Mirziyoyev: A Great Leader of Reforms and Regional Integration.” We are delighted to organize this event in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. I take this opportunity to warmly congratulate His Excellency Ambassador Alisher Tuhtayev on his dynamic efforts for strengthening the abiding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. We are also pleased to see so many of our distinguished friends in the room who are contributing valuably to the further enrichment of the multi-faceted Pakistan-Uzbekistan relationship.
At the outset, let me commend the author, Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hasan Khan, for his scholarly endeavour in producing a comprehensive study of contemporary Uzbekistan and the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The book, running over four hundred pages and addressing thirty-nine inter-related themes, is a seminal work that captures the essence of Uzbekistan’s transformation in recent years, its reform journey, economic modernization, social renewal, and dynamic engagement with the region and the world at large.
Since assuming office in 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has spearheaded an ambitious program of political, economic, and social reform — a vision that has not only reinvigorated Uzbekistan’s internal governance but also reshaped its foreign policy outlook. His transformational leadership has been marked by inclusivity, openness, and a strong commitment to modernization.
Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s guidance, Uzbekistan has undergone remarkable changes – including liberalization of the economy, promotion of private enterprise, streamlining of administrative institutions, and pursuit of good governance. These changes have contributed to a new sense of confidence and dynamism within the Uzbek society. The “Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan 2022–2026” and the long-term Vision 2030 illustrate an all-encompassing blueprint for economic diversification, digitalization, and sustainable growth — objectives that resonate with global trends and regional aspirations alike.
Equally significant has been President Mirziyoyev’s focus on building a “social state,” prioritizing poverty reduction, education, and employment generation. The emphasis on cultural diplomacy and preservation of Uzbekistan’s civilizational heritage, so ably analysed in the book, reflects his holistic understanding of nation-building: one that values identity, culture, and connectivity as integral components of progress.
On the regional front, President Mirziyoyev’s diplomacy has reinvigorated Uzbekistan’s engagement with its neighbours. His policy of “good neighbourliness” and constructive regionalism has helped turn Central Asia into a zone of dialogue and cooperation rather than resentment and confrontation.
Through initiatives such as the Trans-Afghan railway, the Surkhan–Pul-e-Khumri power transmission project, and new frameworks for trade and energy connectivity, Uzbekistan has emerged as a proactive advocate of regional integration. The President’s role in promoting greater coordination among the Central Asian republics, fostering relations with South Asia, and deepening ties with organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Organization of Turkic States, deserves the highest appreciation.
The book before us captures this multi-dimensional vision with clarity, demonstrating how Uzbekistan’s internal reforms and external engagement are mutually-reinforcing. In this sense, it serves not only as a biography of a leader but also as a chronicle of a nation’s renewal.
Distinguished participants,
Pakistan and Uzbekistan share deep-rooted bonds of faith, history, and culture that stretch back centuries — from the spiritual influence of Bukhara and Samarkand to the intellectual legacy of illustrious scholars such as Al-Biruni and Al-Khwarizmi, whose contributions to science, mathematics, and philosophy shaped the nature and scope of human knowledge. The timeless heritage of Amir Taimur also symbolizes our shared civilizational pride and enduring historical connection — a legacy carried on by his descendants, primarily Zaheer-ud-din Babar, who established the Mughal Empire in the Subcontinent in 1526. The year 2026 will mark the 500th anniversary of that landmark event. As proud heirs to that glorious legacy, Pakistan and Uzbekistan would do well to celebrate that occasion in a befitting manner.
Over the past many decade, the rich cultural and historical linkages between Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been translated into a strategic partnership founded on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests. The two countries have significantly expanded cooperation in trade, transport, and energy connectivity. The Pakistan–Uzbekistan Transit Trade Agreement, progress on the Trans-Afghan Railway, and expanding business-to-business exchanges are paving the way for greater regional integration between Central and South Asia.
In the realm of security and counter-terrorism, we continue to collaborate closely to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region. In education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, our engagement continues to grow, reflecting our shared aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous Eurasian neighbourhood.
It is heartening to note that the book devotes an entire chapter to the “Divinity of Pakistan–Uzbekistan Bilateral Relations”, analysing in depth the multi-dimensional nature of our partnership. It captures the spirit of “New Pakistan” and “New Uzbekistan”, two nations striving for renewal and reform, yet grounded in shared civilizational roots.
In the broader context, Pakistan views Central Asia as a pivotal region — one that lies at the crossroads of Eurasia and holds immense potential for connectivity, trade, and energy linkages. Our engagement with the Central Asian Republics is guided by the principles of mutual benefit, respect for sovereignty, and shared development. Within this framework, Pakistan’s ‘Vision Central Asia’ with its five-pronged approach–encompassing political and diplomatic, trade and economic, energy and connectivity, security and defence, and people-to-people interactions–provides a comprehensive roadmap for deepening regional cooperation.
Initiatives such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), when linked with Central Asian transport corridors, could serve as a bridge between South and Central Asia. Projects like CASA-1000 and the Trans-Afghan Railway offer tangible pathways for advancing the long-cherished goals of regional connectivity.
Uzbekistan’s role in promoting this agenda, under President Mirziyoyev’s stewardship, is therefore of huge importance. His forward-looking approach aligns seamlessly with Pakistan’s own vision of regional integration and shared prosperity.
The scholarly contribution of Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hasan Khan deserves special mention. The book’s detailed treatment of Uzbekistan’s macro-economic policies, democratic reforms, and foreign policy evolution makes it an invaluable resource for researchers and policymakers alike. The work’s intellectual depth, spanning topics from the “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy to foreign direct investment trends, cultural diplomacy, and bilateral defence cooperation demonstrates the author’s dedication to presenting a holistic and well-researched account.
By documenting the achievements of President Mirziyoyev and analysing the underlying policy frameworks, the book offers both inspiration and practical insight for other developing nations pursuing reform and modernization in a complex international environment.
As we reflect on the remarkable story of modern Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, we are reminded that visionary, reform-oriented, and inclusive governance can serve as a powerful catalyst for national renewal and regional peace. His example reinforces the principle that cooperation, not competition, is the key to progress in our interconnected world.
I again congratulate Dr. Mehmood-ul-Hasan Khan on his excellent contribution and express our gratitude to the Embassy of Uzbekistan for its close cooperation with ISSI in hosting this event.
Let this occasion reaffirm our collective commitment to further deepening the Pakistan–Uzbekistan strategic partnership and enhancing the bonds of friendship that unite our peoples.
Thank you.
