CJCSC meets Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Defence Minister Major General Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov, and NSC Secretary Lieutenant General Victor Makhmudov to advance defence cooperation, counterterrorism coordination, and regional connectivity.
Key points
- General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is on an official visit to Uzbekistan in August 2025.
- He met President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Defence Minister Major General Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov, and NSC Secretary Lieutenant General Victor Makhmudov.
- Talks focused on defence cooperation, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional connectivity by road and rail.
- Both sides reaffirmed close, brotherly relations and a shared resolve for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
- Uzbek leadership praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and their efforts against terrorism.
High level meetings in Tashkent
According to the official statement from Inter-Services Public Relations, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza met Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Defence Minister Major General Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov, and National Security Council Secretary Lieutenant General Victor Makhmudov. The discussions took place in Tashkent and covered the security environment in the region and beyond.
| Meeting | Uzbek Leadership | Core Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Call on the President | Shavkat Mirziyoyev | Strategic partnership, defence cooperation, regional peace and stability |
| Meeting at Ministry of Defence | Maj Gen Shukhrat Kholmukhamedov | Training, joint exercises, modernisation, technical expertise |
| Meeting at National Security Council | Lt Gen Victor Makhmudov | Counterterrorism coordination, intelligence sharing, border security |
Focus on defence cooperation and training
The two sides agreed to deepen defence cooperation through regular military exchanges, joint training, and capacity building. General Mirza highlighted Pakistan’s experience in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency and offered expanded training modules, technical assistance, and staff-level interactions. Uzbek officials welcomed closer collaboration on doctrine development, combined exercises, and maintenance and logistics support.
Regional security and connectivity
The talks also examined regional and global security challenges. Both sides supported practical steps that improve mobility and resilience, including better coordination on road and rail links that support trade and security cooperation. They noted that effective connectivity strengthens deterrence, accelerates economic activity, and supports long-term stability across Central and South Asia.
Brotherly ties and recognition of Pakistan’s role
General Mirza reaffirmed the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He underlined a shared interest in peace, stability, and prosperity. The Uzbek leadership praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sustained role in defeating terrorist networks and supporting regional dialogue.
Defence diplomacy across the region
In a related development, a senior defence delegation from Azerbaijan led by Deputy Minister and Director General of Defence Agil Gurbanov visited Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed the delegation on Pakistan Air Force modernisation, future force development, and warfighting requirements. Both sides discussed cooperation in training, modernisation, and technical expertise. The Air Chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for capacity building, operational training, and the improvement of technical and maintenance standards for partner air forces.
What this visit means
The Tashkent visit signals steady growth in Pakistan–Uzbekistan defence ties. It aligns with Pakistan’s broader engagement with Central Asia and supports a practical agenda that includes joint training, counterterrorism cooperation, and secure connectivity. Both countries expressed confidence that cooperation will continue to expand across multiple fields and strengthen an already solid partnership.
