Strategic Partnership Formalized Between Pakistan and Kazakhstan
Islamabad: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have formally upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a “new chapter” in cooperation across politics, trade, connectivity, science, and culture.
The development follows the recent state visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, Yerzhan Kistafin, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, described the visit as a landmark moment, highlighting the signing of a joint declaration on strategic partnership and expanded collaboration in cultural, academic, scientific, and sports fields.
Ambassador Kistafin also pointed to growing business engagement and initiatives such as direct flights, trans-Afghan railway links, and diversified transport corridors. He noted these projects would position both countries as key gateways connecting Eurasia with South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The evolving partnership was the central theme of a conference titled “Pakistan–Kazakhstan Relations: Post-Visit Reflections and Pathways for Strategic Cooperation,” organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with the Embassy of Kazakhstan at Movenpick Hotel. The event brought together diplomats, scholars, and practitioners from both nations to discuss regional connectivity, economic integration, and long-term strategic coordination.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, called the February 2026 visit a milestone that formally elevated bilateral relations. He stressed alignment on regional and international issues, including Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir, and highlighted shared historical and cultural ties as the foundation for deeper engagement.
Fahad Haroon, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media, described the summit as a reaffirmation of mutual trust and regional vision, calling Kazakhstan a key partner in Pakistan’s broader Central Asia outreach. He emphasized the need for institutional follow-up to translate agreements into tangible outcomes.
Working sessions at the conference focused on trade, connectivity, and technological cooperation. Hasan Ali Zaigham, Director General (Central Asia & ECO) at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined a five-year trade roadmap and transit agreements, citing Pakistan’s export potential to Kazakhstan at $1.7 billion.
Connectivity emerged as a key priority, with discussions highlighting regional transport corridors, energy projects, and multimodal integration. Participants also explored collaboration in emerging technologies. Dr. Yasar Ayaz of the National Center of Artificial Intelligence proposed joint research initiatives in AI, robotics, and imaging technologies.
In the concluding session, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan described bilateral relations as entering a decisive phase structured around political dialogue, security cooperation, trade, education, climate action, and youth engagement. He stressed the importance of moving from agreements to practical implementation.
The conference ended with a unanimous call for sustained dialogue and follow-up measures to ensure the strategic partnership delivers long-term benefits for both countries and the wider region.
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