TASHKENT, 14 November, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan and Uzbekistan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing joint military exercises and strengthening institutional ties during an official visit by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to Uzbekistan. According to the Pakistan Air Force’s Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), Air Chief Marshal Sidhu held high-level meetings with Uzbek Defence Minister Lieutenant General Botir Qudrathodjayev Bahromovich and Deputy Defence Minister and Commander of Air Defence and Air Force Major General Burkhanov Akhmad Jamolovich. During his meeting with the Uzbek defence minister, discussions focused on regional security, existing defence relations and opportunities for institutional cooperation. Lieutenant General Bahromovich appreciated the professionalism, operational excellence and combat capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force. In a separate meeting with Major General Burkhanov, both sides discussed ways to enhance defence ties through joint military exercises, professional exchanges and capacity-building initiatives. They also agreed to strengthen operational readiness and explore cooperation in emerging technologies by utilising their respective expertise and capabilities. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening defence ties between the two countries. The meetings underscored the shared resolve of both countries to expand military cooperation and promote regional security through closer institutional engagement.