On 5 February 2026, Habib Rafiq Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. and Uzbekistan Overseas Geology Company have formally agreed to collaborate on mineral exploration initiatives in Pakistan. This partnership reflects a growing commitment to regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and sustainable resource development between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The agreement aims to combine the extensive project management and engineering expertise of Habib Rafiq Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd. in Pakistan with the specialized technical knowledge and experience of Uzbekistan Overseas Geology Company in geological surveying, mineral mapping, and advanced exploration technologies. Through this collaboration, both organizations seek to contribute to the identification and responsible development of Pakistan’s mineral resources while promoting innovation and capacity building in the sector.

Such partnerships demonstrate the increasing importance of economic diplomacy and technical collaboration in unlocking the mineral potential of the region. Mineral exploration plays a critical role in industrial growth, energy security, and long term economic sustainability, and this cooperation represents a meaningful step toward achieving these shared objectives.

Special appreciation is extended to Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram and Mr. Harris Naeem, Business Development Executive HRL Group for their instrumental role in negotiating and facilitating this agreement. Their efforts helped bring together key stakeholders and laid the foundation for a partnership built on mutual trust, technical cooperation, and a shared vision for regional development.

This collaboration stands as another positive example of strengthening economic relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and advancing cooperation in the mining and geological sectors. This important initiative was announced at the B2B Forum between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in Islamabad.