Kazakhstan-Pakistan Strategic Partnership Strengthened during President Tokayev’s Visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the visit of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Islamabad would open new avenues for shared prosperity and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. President Tokayev’s visit marked the first official state visit by a Kazakh leader to Pakistan in 23 years, with the last visit occurring in 2003. During the visit, both leaders emphasized elevating relations to a strategic partnership, enhancing trade to a targeted $1 billion, deepening regional connectivity, and expanding cooperation across economic, defence, energy, digital, and people-to-people sectors.
The two leaders addressed the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum, highlighting engagement from business leaders on both sides and signing over 30 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in key sectors, including petroleum, mining, maritime affairs, agriculture, and information technology. PM Shehbaz assured speedy implementation of the MoUs and pledged to convert political goodwill into concrete economic outcomes, while President Tokayev welcomed Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and praised the country’s industrial, defence, and digital capabilities.
Both countries outlined plans to develop the Kazakhstan,T urkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan transport corridor, enhance trade through Pakistan’s transit and seaport infrastructure, and explore direct air connections. Collaboration in energy, including the TAPI gas pipeline, and agriculture was also emphasized, with joint projects aimed at boosting trade, establishing production facilities, and strengthening food security. The leaders also focused on advancing cooperation in science, education, and digital technology, with Kazakhstan encouraging Pakistani participation in AI, digital development, and research initiatives.
President Tokayev highlighted Pakistan as a reliable and important partner in South Asia, citing shared cultural, historical, and economic ties rooted in the legacy of the Silk Road. He noted that bilateral trade has grown significantly, nearly doubling last year, and both leaders committed to increasing trade volume to $1 billion within the next two years. They agreed to foster private sector collaboration, encourage investment, and implement a five-year roadmap to expand commerce, trade, and industrial cooperation.
The visit also included awarding President Tokayev the Nishan-i-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, reflecting the country’s appreciation for his leadership and contribution to bilateral relations. Both leaders emphasized that the visit would strengthen regional integration, open new opportunities in trade and investment, and serve as a catalyst for peace, stability, and connectivity across Central and South Asia. The engagement is viewed as mutually beneficial, with Pakistan positioned as a strategic land bridge for trade and Kazakhstan diversifying its regional and international economic partnerships amid the Eurasian geopolitical landscape.
