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‘DEEPLY TOUCHED BY GRAND RECEPTION’, PM REACHES UZBEKISTAN TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES Wednesday, 26 February, 2025 I 27 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ WILL MEET UZBEKISTAN PRESIDENT TO ‘DISCUSS ALL AREAS OF BILATERAL COOPERATION’
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UZBEKISTAN’S PM, FM, TASHKENT’S MAYOR, UZBEK ENVOY TO PAKISTAN AND HIS PAKISTANI COUNTERPART WELCOME PM SHEHBAZ AT AIRPORT
FO SAYS ‘A NUMBER OF’ BILATERAL AGREEMENTS/MOUS EXPECTED TO BE SIGNED BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES DURING PM’S STAY
enhance our common desire to strengthen these bonds of friendship through trade, investment and mutually advantageous cooperation,” the premier said in a post on X.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Uzbek armed forces presented a static salute to the prime minister. PM Shehbaz would hold a bilateral meeting with Uzbekistan President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his visit, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office yesterday. They would “discuss all areas of bilateral cooperation including connectivity, economic, trade, investment, energy, defence and security, regional stability, and education”, it added. The leaders would also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement said. The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and other members of his cabinet. During the visit, the premier would visit the Independence Monument in Tashkent, where he would lay a wreath to pay tribute to Uzbekistan’s great historical figures, APP said. He would also be given a tour and briefing on the monument’s woodwork, depicting Uzbekistan’s 3,000-year history. MoUs expected Several activities on the economic side are also expected during PM Shehbaz’s visit.
TASHKENT
wreath at the monument, a symbol of Uzbekistan’s rich history and its journey toward sovereignty. He also expressed his admiration for Uzbekistan’s progress and resilience, drawing parallels with Pakistan’s own struggle for independence and development. “The Independence Monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity. This visit is a reminder of our shared values and the need to work together for a brighter fu-
ture,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying. On the occasion, the prime minister was also briefed about the 3000 year history of Uzbek nation and its heroes. The visit to the monument would follow a series of high-level meetings with Uzbek officials, focusing on enhancing trade, energy cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Both nations are committed to bolster regional connectivity and economic integration. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
TASHKENT
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Uzbekistan on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to enhance bilateral relations with the Central Asian country. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened ties through trade and economic cooperation. A $1 billion trade deal was signed in 2023, and plans for further collaboration, including a roadmap for industrial cooperation, show the two sides’ commitment to boosting regional connectivity. Last month, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtayev, had announced his government’s plan to introduce a new direct flight route between Tashkent and Karachi this year, describing it as a “significant step to foster closer ties between the two nations”. Upon his arrival in the capital of Tashkent later today, the prime minister was received by Uzbekistan’s PM Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent’s Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, Uzbek envoy Alisher Takhitayev and his Pakistani counterpart Ahmed Farooq, along with senior diplomatic and government officials, were also present at the Tashkent airport. “Wheels down in Uzbekistan. Deeply touched by the grand reception at the airport and the warm welcome by my dear brother Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov. “Uzbekistan being the crown of Central Asia, breathes history through the grandeur of its ancient cities, timeless art, and magnificent architecture. Looking forward to my engagements to
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PM pays solemn visit to iconic Independence Monument in Tashkent STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid a solemn visit to the iconic Independence Monument here as part of his official trip to Uzbekistan. “The visit underscores the shared historical and cultural ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, while reaffirming the commitment to deepening bilateral relations,” PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the prime minister laid a floral
Khan asks PTI members holding govt roles to relinquish party positions: Raja RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan on Tuesday directed PTI members who are serving in government roles to relinquish party positions. “The move aims to assist Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter president] Junaid Akbar in getting a free hand to reorganise the party,” PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said while speaking to journalists after meeting the former prime minister in Adiala jail. Raja also rebuffed concerns regarding Imran’s health issues, saying the former premier was in good health. “Imran had said the jail administration was under the control of unseen forces,” Raja said, announcing Khan’s decision to write to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on issues within the prison system. The secretary-general noted that the delegation apprised Khan of their recent visit to Sindh, including the resistance against the construction of dams. “Imran has vowed that PTI will fight for the rights of Sindh,” he added. Quoting the former premier, he said PTI was doing politics for the people of Pakistan and lambasted the Punjab government for its “continued fascism”. In response to a question, Raja said the party met the chief justice with Imran’s permission as he “ordered us to apprise the top judge of the country’s overall situation”. “We are stakeholders of Pakistan…we will knock on doors of every institution,” he said, adding that there was no room in the PTI for those “who voted in favour of the 26th Constitutional Amendment”. “The fates of those who were absent or were out of touch during the passage of the 26th amendment will be decided one by one,” Raja added. Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s debacle in the ICC Champions Trophy, he said Imran is “very sad” about the condition of national cricket. “The people of Pakistan have a strong connection with cricket,” he said, adding that this sport has been made a joke in the last few years.
Aurangzeb emphasizes importance of well-regulated digital asset framework ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting on digital assets. The meeting was attended by foreign delegates, including President Trump’s Advisors for Digital Assets. Minister of State for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Governor State Bank, Secretary Finance, and Secretary IT & Telecom were also present. Participants discussed the global evolution of cryptocurrency, its increasing adoption, and the regulatory frameworks being implemented internationally, in line with U.S. government policies. The deliberations focused on financial security, risk mitigation, and the potential impact of digital assets on Pakistan’s economy. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of a well-regulated digital
asset framework, aligning Pakistan with international best practices and complying with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidelines. He highlighted the government’s commitment to exploring digital assets and integrating blockchain technology as part of its broader strategy to modernize the financial sector. Discussions also included the tokenization of key infrastructure and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) assets, allowing for increased liquidity, broader investor participation, and greater efficiency in capital markets. It was noted that various stakeholders, including foreign and domestic investors, have already developed product-ready digital asset solutions that could be explored within a regulatory sandbox. Pakistan currently has over 20 million active users in the digital asset market who face significant challenges, including high transaction fees. The Finance Minister reaffirmed his commitment to regulating and encouraging this industry by adopting
appropriate frameworks, laws, and incentives to ensure transparency and facilitate digital business growth. The Finance Minister directed relevant stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive framework that ensures security, transparency, regulatory compliance, and economic viability while safeguarding against financial crimes and illicit activities. He also stressed the need for a balanced approach— one that encourages innovation and investment in digital assets while maintaining strict regulatory oversight in line with international standards. To enhance this initiative, the government will consider establishing a National Crypto Council, which will serve as a dedicated advisory body comprising key government representatives, regulatory authorities, and industry experts. This Crypto Council will oversee policy development, address regulatory challenges, and ensure that Pakistan’s digital asset ecosystem evolves in a secure, compliant,
and sustainable manner. The Council will also collaborate with friendly countries to develop standardized frameworks for international digital economic engagement. The meeting concluded with a consensus
on adopting a cautious yet forward-looking approach, ensuring that future developments in the digital asset space align with national interests, FATF guidelines, and global financial standards.