“Pakistan seeks peace, not war,” the Ambassador of Pakistan to Uzbekistan, Ahmed Farooq told Daryo as he outlined the country’s stance on regional tensions, its fight against terrorism, and a clear vision to deepen economic ties with Uzbekistan.

Opening the conversation with a sober assessment of tensions in South Asia, Ambassador Farooq firmly reiterated Pakistan’s stance as a peace-loving and responsible nation — particularly vital in a region where both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers. 

“We are a responsible and peace-loving country. In a nuclearized region like South Asia, maintaining peace is paramount,” he said.

Ambassador Farooq strongly condemned the recent loss of civilian lives in Pahalgam, India, noting that Pakistan has consistently denounced terrorism. However, he took issue with India's immediate attribution of blame without an independent investigation. 

“Despite the tragedy, we showed restraint and even offered an international, independent investigation into the allegations. There is no solid evidence to back the claims made by India,” he stated.

Peace and prosperity are central to conflict resolution. Although Pakistan does not desire war—and has never sought it—it affirms that, like any sovereign and self-respecting nation, if war is imposed upon it or its sovereignty is threatened, the country is compelled to respond with full force and capability.

Yet, when faced with aggression, he said Pakistan responded with precision and responsibility, targeting only military infrastructure while avoiding civilian casualties or sacred sites. 

“We do not strike places of worship — churches, mosques, temples, or gurdwaras. Our military targets were chosen with utmost care. That is a mark of our professionalism and humanity.”

Following the accusations, Pakistan experienced aggression along its borders, with the initial attacks reportedly targeting civilian areas. Pakistani leadership highlighted that just as the lives of civilians in Pahalgam are sacred, so too are the lives of Pakistani civilians—including children, women, and the elderly—who are not combatants.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan expressed deep emotion when referencing the death of a seven-year-old child during the attacks. He urged observers to consider the grief of parents who lost their children, emphasizing that such losses are unacceptable and violate basic humanitarian principles.

“A seven-year-old child, an eight-year-old girl — are they combatants? No. Their lives matter as much as anyone else’s. When such tragedies occur, we must reflect on the consequences of escalation.”

These actions, according to Ambassador Ahmed Farooq, the armed response, while forceful, were guided by the principles of self-defense and professionalism.

Ceasefire and the Path Forward

A ceasefire is currently in place, following intervention and mediation by friendly countries. However, Pakistan insists that peace will remain fragile unless core issues are addressed.

Three key issues stand out:

1. Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan views the unresolved status of Kashmir as a fundamental issue. President Donald Trump himself previously remarked that Kashmir "will be operational," signaling international recognition of its significance.
2. Water Security: The Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water distribution between India and Pakistan, requires renewed attention to ensure fairness and avoid conflict over vital resources.
3. Terrorism: While terrorism remains a challenge in the region, Pakistan firmly asserts its position as a victim of terrorism, not a perpetrator.

Over the past decade, Pakistan has suffered more than 100,000 casualties and incurred economic losses exceeding $150bn due to terrorism. Pakistan claims it also possesses credible evidence of state-sponsored terrorism, which it believes must be addressed directly with India.

In response to internal and cross-border terrorism, Pakistan has developed and implemented comprehensive counterterrorism strategies. These include:

• Military operations targeting terror groups.
• Intelligence coordination across multiple agencies.
• Operational readiness across all armed forces.
• Narrative-building efforts to counter extremist ideologies.

Pakistan’s achievements in this area have been recognized internationally, and various countries have approached Pakistan for training and cooperation in counterterrorism strategies.

The government emphasizes that while terrorism remains a challenge, the country is determined to confront and eliminate it. Any threat to the lives and security of Pakistani citizens will be met with the full strength of the state.

Pakistan remains committed to peace but stresses that lasting peace requires addressing root causes. Ignoring core disputes will only leave the region vulnerable to recurring crises.

”If you want to make this peace durable, then these issues must be addressed. Because if the root causes are not resolved, we remain vulnerable to similar incidents and the risk of escalation,” voiced Ambassador Farooq.

Uzbekistan-Pakistan: From $400mn to $2bn Trade

Shifting focus to bilateral relations, Ahmed Farooq, discussed the evolving trade and diplomatic relationship between the two countries, highlighting the roadmap to raise bilateral trade to $2bn within the next four years — a goal set during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025. 

In 2024, the two countries exceeded $400mn in trade turnover, and Ambassador Farooq emphasized the strategic, multifaceted efforts currently underway to scale that figure.

As per Ambassador Farooq, the roadmap outlines a multi-pronged strategy. This includes intensifying interactions between business communities, expanding sectors of cooperation beyond textiles to pharmaceuticals, mining, and e-commerce, and addressing logistical and regulatory bottlenecks. 

He stressed the importance of “improving alignment of phytosanitary and sanitary standards, simplifying border controls, and improving financial transactions, including between central banks.”

On the topic of Pakistani business presence in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Farooq highlighted that around 128 joint ventures currently exist, valued between $150 to $200mn. 

“This is just a fraction of the actual potential,” he said, pointing out that the Pakistani embassy in Tashkent plays an active role in connecting business communities. “We receive inquiries from Pakistani companies asking if there's anyone interested in doing business with them or if we can connect them to potential partners. Similarly, we also hear from Uzbek businessmen looking to send products to Pakistan and asking for recommendations on reliable partners,” he shared.

The strategy focuses on strengthening business engagement through exhibitions, forums, and business matching initiatives on both sides. 

Joint Logistics Company: “Progress is Underway”

Among the most tangible initiatives is the formation of a joint Uzbekistan-Pakistan transport and logistics company — a milestone agreed upon during the February 2025 summit. 

“Pakistan has nominated its company, and so has Uzbekistan. The two sides are now negotiating and making steady progress. These are major undertakings, so due diligence is essential, but the commitment is very strong.”

Ambassador Farooq hinted at positive developments ahead, saying both governments are aligned in fast-tracking the deal.

The establishment of trading houses is a crucial element of the broader strategy between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Ambassador Farooq emphasized that while geographical advantages like proximity to ports are essential, the real success lies in complementing this with the right policies and operational factors. 

The multi-pronged strategy focuses heavily on connectivity, making it easier for businesses from both countries to trade. The goal is to streamline transportation, reduce bureaucracy, and simplify official procedures for Uzbek and Pakistani businesses to send goods across borders.

A key part of this strategy is establishing business houses in major financial centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Tashkent. This will connect the financial hubs and business communities, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access information and engage in trade.

"When you make it easy for businesses, it becomes more profitable for them," said ambassador. 

The goal is to continually improve the trading environment by addressing issues such as non-tariff barriers, improving border control processes, and reducing friction between regulations.

Both Pakistan and Uzbekistan are working to enhance their preferential trade agreement, and the process is ongoing. As issues are resolved, new challenges may arise, but the aim remains to make cross-border business smoother and more profitable for the private sector. The government’s role is to facilitate this process and ensure that businesses have the right environment to thrive.

Enhancing Education and People-to-People Ties

There are over a thousand Pakistani students currently studying in Uzbekistan, mainly in medical institutions. Both countries are working on expanding educational and professional opportunities, focusing on enhancing people-to-people contacts. One of the main efforts is to strengthen university connections, promote academic exchanges, and foster cooperation between youth groups.

There is a shared recognition of the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration in various fields, including education and youth engagement. The governments are actively working to expand these connections, with an emphasis on the exchange of students, youth programs, and enhancing ties between think tanks and universities.

Moreover, the Pakistani Ambassador emphasizes the rich cultural heritage of both countries, encouraging mutual tourism and exploration. The idea is to facilitate better understanding and deeper connections by creating opportunities for students and professionals from both sides to engage and grow.

Looking ahead, this partnership aims to continue growing through various initiatives, contributing to more educational and work-related exchanges between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

Future Business Events: Keeping the Momentum

Looking ahead, Ambassador Farooq spoke about the successful business forum held in Tashkent in February 2025, where leading businessmen from both Pakistan and Uzbekistan gathered to forge new connections and discuss future opportunities. The event was attended by both the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, stressing the leadership’s commitment to promoting bilateral economic relations. 

“When the highest level of leadership attends an event, it sends a powerful message to the business community that the government is fully backing their efforts. This is critical for inspiring confidence,” Ambassador Farooq noted.

While reflecting on the magnitude of organizing such high-profile events, he described the intensive preparations involved, from logistical planning and stall arrangements to sectoral focus and customs procedures. 

“These events require meticulous attention to detail, and the process of organizing them is immense. We had to ensure everything — from who would participate, to which sectors would be represented, to the financial aspects involved. It’s a complex and expensive endeavor, but one that’s crucial for building stronger ties.”

He shared that future events are already in the works. “We are planning more events, and while I cannot give everything away just yet, let it be a surprise.”

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