Power minister highlights energy cooperation potential with Uzbekistan

Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said Pakistan and Uzbekistan hold considerable room to deepen energy cooperation, Mettis Global reported. Speaking at a reception marking Uzbekistan's 35th Independence Day, he named electricity links, renewables, hydropower, infrastructure building and funding as areas with promise. He added that stronger energy links could become a central part of the wider economic partnership and regional integration between the two countries.

Leghari said bilateral ties had grown into a strong partnership resting on mutual respect and common heritage, now reaching commerce, investment, energy, connectivity, education, research, technology and culture. He noted renewed momentum after the visits by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan in February 2026, when multiple pacts spanning trade, mining and defence were concluded. Pakistan, he said, offers Uzbekistan a route to the Arabian Sea, while Uzbekistan gives Pakistan access to Central Asian markets.

Leghari stressed that the business communities of both countries needed to interact more, which he said would help draw investment and foster joint ventures. He also said the two sides had fixed an ambitious bilateral trade goal. He expressed confidence that ties would keep growing and urged joint efforts to convert existing potential into more trade, investment and energy cooperation.