Pakistan, Uzbekistan sign anti-corruption pact; strengthen bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at intensifying joint efforts to combat corruption, money laundering, and financial crimes.

The agreement, inked by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Deputy Chairman Sohail Nasir and representatives from Uzbekistan’s Anti-Corruption Agency (ACAU), marks a significant step toward promoting transparency, good governance, and regional cooperation.

Under the MoU, both countries will share information, conduct joint investigations, and exchange technical expertise in forensics, asset tracking, and financial compliance. Officials said the pact will also support capacity-building programs for public officers and increase public awareness about anti-corruption measures. Deputy Chairman NAB Sohail Nasir described the agreement as a “milestone in fostering accountability and ensuring that corruption does not hinder economic development,” emphasizing that international collaboration is crucial in addressing such challenges.

The signing comes amid growing efforts by both nations to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation. In recent years, Pakistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened ties across multiple sectors, including trade, agriculture, energy, and education. Both sides have committed to joint programs and working groups to identify opportunities for mutual growth, echoing past agreements that have set ambitious targets for increasing trade volumes and industrial collaboration over the next five years.

Officials highlighted that this agreement is part of a broader push to enhance institutional cooperation and build resilient mechanisms for tackling financial crimes, aligning with both countries’ commitments to sustainable development and good governance.

Pakistan also conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan on Uzbek President Shaukat Mirzayev. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended the ceremony, while President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan on his Uzbek counterpart.