ISSI, Kazakhstan Embassy Review Strategic Partnership Pathways
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, hosted a conference titled “Pakistan–Kazakhstan Relations: Post-Visit Reflections and Pathways for Strategic Cooperation” in Islamabad on February 12, 2026. The event was held in the context of growing strategic convergence following the state visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan.
The conference brought together diplomats, scholars and policy practitioners from both countries to review bilateral relations, regional connectivity and prospects for long-term strategic cooperation.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI, said Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations are rooted in shared history, cultural links and mutual respect. He described the February 2026 presidential visit as a milestone that elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, highlighting convergence on regional and international issues, including Jammu and Kashmir and Afghanistan. He also underlined opportunities in connectivity, transport corridors, trade, investment, energy, agriculture, IT, education and people-to-people exchanges, and announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding between ISSI and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Research Institute.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, termed the visit the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations. He highlighted the joint declaration on strategic partnership, expanding cooperation in culture, academia, science and sports, growing business engagement, and future plans for direct flights, trans-Afghan rail links and diversified transport corridors.
Guest of Honor Dr. Askhat Kessikbayev, Vice President of the Turkic Academy, emphasized civilizational and cultural linkages and called for enhanced academic cooperation and joint research in economic development, sustainability, water security and regional integration. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, praised Kazakhstan’s investment in education, science and innovation, stressing sustained academic collaboration.
Chief Guest of the inaugural session, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media Fahad Haroon, described the recent Pakistan–Kazakhstan summit as a reaffirmation of mutual trust and shared regional vision. He said Pakistan views Kazakhstan as a key partner in its Central Asia engagement and stressed the need for institutional follow-up and sustained dialogue.
The first working session, moderated by Dr. Talat Shabbir, focused on strategic dialogue, connectivity and emerging sectors. Officials and experts highlighted Pakistan’s role as a gateway for Central Asia, trade roadmaps, transit mechanisms, regional energy and transport integration, and cooperation in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
The second working session, moderated by Dr. Amina Khan, examined economic cooperation, regional integration and people-to-people linkages. Speakers emphasized maritime and land connectivity, implementation-focused cooperation beyond MoUs, transport corridors, visa facilitation, academic exchanges, tourism and SME collaboration.
In the concluding session, former federal minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations have entered a decisive phase spanning political dialogue, security, trade, transport, education, science, culture and regional coordination. He stressed moving from planning to execution and investing in education, digital connectivity, youth engagement and security cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood said the joint declaration and MoUs provide a practical roadmap for future cooperation, emphasizing effective implementation and continued engagement on regional security, counterterrorism, Afghanistan and Kashmir.
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