ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with the Embassy of Uzbekistan, on Tuesday hosted the launch of New Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a book documenting Uzbekistan’s reform-driven transformation under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the growing partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The IRS-hosted event brought together diplomats, policymakers, scholars, and representatives of civil society, underscoring the institute’s role as a platform for regional dialogue.
IRS President Calls Book a Reflection of People-Centered Leadership
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, described the book as an intellectually rich and well-articulated account of Uzbekistan’s reform trajectory. Addressing participants at IRS Islamabad, he termed the launch a meaningful diplomatic and intellectual moment for two brotherly nations linked by shared faith, history, culture, and civilizational bonds. He noted that the book goes beyond political narrative, offering a deeper reflection on leadership grounded in public service and national transformation.
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Outlines Economic and Governance Reforms
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, speaking at the IRS forum, said Uzbekistan had entered a new era of growth marked by comprehensive reforms in governance, the economy, science, and development. He credited President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership for restoring public confidence and highlighted tangible economic progress, including GDP growth from USD 115 billion to USD 140 billion and an increase in foreign exchange reserves from USD 48 billion to USD 59 billion.
IRS Event Highlights Growing Pak–Uzbek Cooperation
Highlighting bilateral relations during the IRS-hosted discussion, Ambassador Tukhtaev described Pakistan and Uzbekistan as genuine partners connected by mutual trust and a long-term cooperation framework. He pointed to developments such as visa facilitation for Pakistani nationals through e-visa regimes, expanded direct flights between Tashkent and Islamabad and Lahore, with Karachi expected to be added next year, and growing trade volumes projected to rise from USD 404 million in 2024 to USD 450 million this year.
Uzbek Senator Terms IRS Launch an Insight into Modern Governance
Mr. Hassan Irmatov, Member of the Senate Committee of Uzbekistan, described the book as a leadership-oriented and analytical work offering insights into contemporary governance and state transformation. Recalling earlier launches in the United States and at the United Nations Headquarters, he termed the IRS Islamabad launch an important milestone reflecting the book’s expanding international reach and the strengthening of Pak–Uzbek relations.
Governance Reforms Redefine State–Citizen Relationship
Mr. Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center, told the IRS audience that Uzbekistan’s public administration had undergone profound transformation over the past eight years. He emphasized that reforms had reshaped the relationship between the state and its citizens by placing human dignity at the center of policymaking, with transparency, participatory budgeting, accountability, and service-oriented governance emerging as key pillars.
IRS Forum Highlights Cultural and Regional Affinities
Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan and former Information Minister, Mr. Murtaza Solangi, highlighted at the IRS event the deep cultural, historical, and geographical links between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He noted shared heritage, linguistic similarities, and close proximity, underscoring untapped potential for cooperation in education, agriculture, technology, culture, and trade. He described Uzbekistan’s reform momentum as a “third renaissance” rooted in history and driven by openness, innovation, and a youthful population.
The IRS event was attended by senior diplomats, government officials, academics, journalists, and students, reflecting growing interest in Central Asia and Pakistan–Uzbekistan relations and reinforcing the institute’s role in advancing regional understanding.
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