In a significant move toward regional climate cooperation, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral collaboration on environmental sustainability and proposed the creation of a transregional “Green Corridor” linking Central and South Asia.
The agreement came during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, and the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Alisher Tukhtaev, held in Islamabad.
Ambassador Tukhtaev highlighted the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and presented several forward-looking proposals aimed at jointly addressing climate challenges. These included the establishment of a bilateral working group, joint climate ventures, and increased exchange of research, data, and environmental technologies.
“Both Pakistan and Uzbekistan can become regional leaders by transforming climate challenges into shared opportunities,” said the ambassador, commending Pakistan’s active role in global climate forums.
Minister Dr. Malik welcomed Uzbekistan’s proposals, expressing strong support for regional cooperation. He emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two nations and praised Uzbekistan’s green and blue energy initiatives—particularly its ambitious campaign to plant one billion trees.
Highlighting Pakistan’s own environmental concerns, Dr. Malik raised alarm over the drying of the Aral Sea and the rapid melting of glaciers in Pakistan’s north, calling these developments “early warnings of global environmental collapse.”
The minister also shared Pakistan’s vision to establish a “Green University,” a regional hub for climate education, innovation, and joint academic ventures. “This university will serve as a platform for collaborative research and student exchange between our nations,” he stated, assuring the ambassador that this project was a personal priority.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the proposal to establish a Green Corridor, connecting Uzbekistan’s Green Valley with Pakistan’s Indus Valley. The corridor would serve as a transnational initiative to scale up afforestation campaigns, promote biodiversity, and facilitate sustainable development projects across Central and South Asia.
Dr. Malik also underscored the importance of civil society and administrative engagement in ensuring the corridor’s success. He emphasized that public awareness and the involvement of civil servants would be critical in operationalizing this regional vision.
Both sides agreed to advance from dialogue to implementation, with a commitment to hold the next round of technical discussions on the sidelines of the upcoming multilateral climate conference.
This development marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Uzbekistan climate diplomacy, positioning the two nations as potential frontrunners in the regional environmental movement.
