ISLAMABAD, December 19. /Dunyo IA/. The Embassy of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), hosted a presentation of the English edition of renowned political scientist Kudratilla Rafikov’s book, “The New Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was attended by Murtaza Solangi, Senior journalist, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan; senior officials from various Pakistani government agencies; members of parliament; over ten foreign ambassadors; diplomats; business leaders; representatives from academic and research institutions; media personnel and other guests, including Uzbek nationals residing in Islamabad and surrounding areas. From Uzbekistan, participants included Senator Husan Ermatov, a member of the Senate Committee on Science, Education and Healthcare and Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Centre in Tashkent and other officials.

The presentation was opened by Alisher Tukhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, who noted that in a short span, three significant books on Uzbekistan have been introduced in Islamabad: “Uzbekistan: The Third Renaissance - The Concept of the Future” by Muhammad Abbas Khan, “Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Great Leader of Reforms and Regional Integration” by Mehmud ul-Hasan Khan and “The New Uzbekistan: The Path of Shavkat Mirziyoyev” by Kudratilla Rafikov. He emphasized that the growing interest in Uzbekistan among Pakistan’s academic and research communities reflects the strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

In his speech, the Ambassador highlighted that Kudratilla Rafikov’s book provides an in-depth exploration of the wide-ranging reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Key topics addressed in the book include macroeconomic reforms, financial liberalization, poverty reduction, foreign policy, cultural diplomacy and regional integration.

The event also emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. It was particularly noted that the strategic partnership between the two countries has reached a new level, thanks to the personal efforts of President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif. Notable areas of collaboration include the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway and joint measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade to USD 2 billion.

Senator Husan Ermatov also addressed the audience, noting that the reforms in Uzbekistan are systematic and comprehensive, shaping a completely new image of the country. During his speech, he elaborated on the content of the book, which covers key political and socio-economic projects, achievements in domestic and foreign policy as well as regional integration initiatives.

Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of Uzbekistan’s Development Strategy Center, emphasized in his speech that over the past eight years, Uzbekistan has undertaken comprehensive political reforms aimed at fundamentally reshaping the relationship between the state and society. He noted that Kudratilla Rafikov’s book provides a detailed analysis of these processes, illustrating the emergence of a new development model in the country.

Murtaza Solangi, Senior journalist, Press Secretary to the President of Pakistan, praised Uzbekistan’s reform efforts and highlighted the country’s significance as a model for other nations in terms of modernizing public life and improving citizens’ well-being. He underscored the numerous shared ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, including linguistic and cultural affinities, which foster mutual understanding and cooperation across sectors such as agriculture, information technology, education, healthcare, defense, and security. In recent years, bilateral trade between the two countries has grown from several hundred million dollars to nearly USD 500 million and continues to expand.

Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), highlighted in his speech that Kudratilla Rafikov’s book sheds light on the key political, economic, and social reforms in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He noted that the work represents an important contribution to understanding the development path of “New Uzbekistan”, serving as a model for other countries, including Pakistan.

At the conclusion of the event, all attendees were presented with copies of the book. In addition, an exhibition of Uzbekistan’s national art was organized and traditional Uzbek dishes were showcased, earning widespread admiration from the Pakistani guests.