The key facts

  • Due to the closure of the traditional transport corridor, mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan fell sharply
  • A special trade and transit corridor Peshawar — Torkham — Termez through Afghan territory was proposed
  • Pakistan assessed the proposal positively and is ready to help attract companies to the «Yangi Tashkent» project

Talks in Islamabad

On November 8, in Islamabad, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Alisher Tuhtayev met with Sajid Amin, Director of Pakistan's Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). According to «Dunyo», citing the outcomes of the meeting, the talks also involved representatives of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SIFC staff responsible for investment and industrial projects, and heads of other relevant organizations.

The problem: a closed route and declining trade

The central topic was the problems in mutual trade caused by the closure of the traditional transport route between the two countries: the meeting's outcomes emphasized that, due to these restrictions, the volume of trade turnover had fallen sharply. The Pakistani side explained that the current transport restrictions had been introduced because of a security-related situation.

The proposed corridor through Afghanistan

To solve the problem, the Uzbek side proposed organizing a special trade and transit corridor along the Peshawar — Torkham route through Afghan territory to Uzbekistan's Termez. Under the initiative, shipments along this route could be carried out on the basis of separate control mechanisms. The Pakistani side assessed the proposal as acceptable. To work out the initiative in practical terms, it was proposed to hold online talks with the participation of Uzbekistan's ministries of investment, industry and trade, and transport, as well as the relevant Pakistani agencies.

«Yangi Tashkent» and a business forum

The meeting also raised the issue of attracting major Pakistani construction companies to the «Yangi Tashkent» project: the Pakistani side was presented with the project's investment opportunities and the conditions created for foreign investors. The SIFC leadership declared its readiness to provide practical assistance in attracting financially stable and reliable Pakistani companies to the project. In addition, the parties discussed the participation of Pakistani business circles in the international business forum «New Uzbekistan — a Window to Global Markets», planned to be held in Tashkent in 2026, as well as the possibility of Uzbek companies establishing production and logistics facilities in Pakistan.