Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with Governor of Tashkent Region Zoir Mirzaev and his seven-member delegation, here on Wednesday.
Both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral economic and cultural ties, declaring Punjab and Tashkent as sister provinces and forming a special committee to promote cooperation in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, livestock, meat processing, beverages, and citrus production. The delegation also discussed a proposal to establish a Babur Park in Lahore.
Governor Mirzaev lauded the Punjab government’s efforts in restoring Mughal-era heritage sites and conveyed a message of goodwill from the President of Uzbekistan for the people of Pakistan, particularly in Punjab.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her gratitude and accepted an invitation to visit Uzbekistan. She described Uzbekistan as a brotherly nation and emphasised Punjab’s economic potential, saying that the province produces about 70 per cent of Pakistan’s agricultural output and hosts key industrial hubs including Sialkot, Wazirabad, and Faisalabad.
The CM highlighted the quality of Pakistani rice, maize, and wheat, and stressed ongoing efforts to improve value-added agricultural and livestock products, particularly meat, for export. She expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation could yield significant results, citing Pakistan’s growing leadership in value-added textiles with strong global demand.
On the occasion, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif said the people of Pakistan take pride in Uzbekistan’s rich cultural and scholarly heritage, noting that Samarkand has historically been a centre of knowledge and learning. He remarked that the first Mughal emperor came to the subcontinent from Fergana Valley and that his remarkable rule continues to be remembered in history. He also highlighted Lahore’s centuries-old heritage and expressed his deep affection for the city, recalling that he would often visit Lahore even during his tenure as prime minister.
Governor Mirzaev termed the meeting an honour and underscored opportunities for collaboration in tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles, particularly polyester, encouraging Pakistani companies to explore joint ventures.