ISLAMABAD, August 21. /Dunyo/. Afshan Siddiq Malik, Advisor to the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), as well as a renowned writer and scholar, on the eve of the 35th Anniversary of the Independence of Uzbekistan, extended her sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Uzbekistan through Dunyo IA:

- Independence is the right of every nation to determine its own destiny, preserve and build upon its historical heritage, safeguard and develop its language and culture, and shape its own future. From this perspective, Uzbekistan’s 35-year journey of independent development represents an important school of historical experience not only for the Uzbek people, but for the entire Central Asian region.

Today, Uzbekistan is undergoing large-scale transformations across various spheres of public and state life, particularly those that have become increasingly visible over the past decade. These include reforms, economic development, a stronger focus on education and science, efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage, as well as initiatives aimed at supporting women and young people. All these achievements deserve special recognition.

It is particularly encouraging to see that the development philosophy of the New Uzbekistan is built around such priorities as human dignity, the well-being of society, peace, and good-neighbourly relations. The country’s aspiration to enter a new stage of development in line with the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy represents a consistent continuation of these objectives. The fact that Uzbekistan’s 35th anniversary of independence in 2026 is being celebrated under the noble motto, ‘With one Motherland and one people, we will build a new life and a new future!’ also demonstrates the importance attached to national unity and the achievement of shared national goals.

The international initiatives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev are also contributing to the strengthening of Uzbekistan’s standing on the international stage. I would particularly like to highlight his policy aimed at promoting peace, good-neighbourly relations, mutual trust, and economic integration in Central Asia. Initiatives focused on ensuring peace and stability in Central and South Asia, developing transport and communication corridors, and expanding trade, economic, and cultural ties are of strategic importance to both regions.

I recently had the opportunity to visit your beautiful country, where I participated in the First International Islamic Forum held in Tashkent and Samarkand. This visit allowed me to witness first-hand the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan. Alongside Tashkent’s modern and dynamic appearance, I was deeply impressed by the country’s historical memory and national spirit. In Samarkand, I saw how the heritage of great civilizations, together with centuries-old traditions of scholarship and culture, harmoniously coexist with modern life in Uzbekistan.

For me, the visit to Uzbekistan was much more than a journey. It was an opportunity to once again experience the shared history, culture, and spiritual values that connect two great nations - the Uzbek and Pakistani peoples. As a member of Pakistan’s intellectual community, I was deeply moved by the profound respect accorded in Uzbekistan to the name and legacy of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur. The legacy of the Mughals is one of the most vivid symbols of the historical bridge connecting Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

It is heartening to see that relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan are also entering a new and substantively deeper phase. In particular, the state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan on February 5–6, 2026, marked an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations.

One of the greatest treasures I discovered in Uzbekistan was its people. The hospitality of the Uzbek people, their respect for elders, their commitment to knowledge and enlightenment, and their deep appreciation of history and national values made a profound and heartfelt impression on me. The people of Pakistan also hold these qualities in high regard, as our two nations are united by a shared history, spiritual affinity, and a special bond of hearts that transcends geographical distances.

I am confident that the strong bonds of friendship, strategic partnership, and brotherhood between Pakistan and Uzbekistan will continue to grow and flourish.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to convey, from the bottom of my heart, my warmest and most sincere congratulations from Pakistan to the people of Uzbekistan, the country’s leadership, and all my Uzbek friends on the 35th anniversary of the independence of Uzbekistan.