Islamabad (TDI): Yerzhan Kistafin, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, said that dialogue is the only sustainable path to a peaceful and stable world order, while noting that the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana, reflected Kazakhstan’s belief in dialogue.
He reiterated Kazakhstan’s dedication to global peace and interreligious cooperation, and highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, describing collaboration on interfaith initiatives as both natural and mutually enriching.
The ambassador was speaking at a seminar titled “Interfaith Dialogue: Outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions,” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with the Embassy of Kazakhstan and the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
He emphasized that the “Spirit of Astana” continues to inspire nations to uphold values of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, as the seminar reviewed the key outcomes of the 8th Congress that happened in Astana on 17–18 September 2025.
Attended by eminent spiritual leaders and experts from over 100 countries, the Congress centered on the theme of peace as humanity’s most essential value and called for enhanced dialogue amid escalating global tensions.
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In his welcome remarks at the seminar, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of the Institute of Regional Studies, underscored the growing need for sustained interfaith dialogue in a world increasingly shaped by polarization and conflict.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing religious harmony and applauded Kazakhstan’s leadership in establishing impactful platforms such as the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
Ambassador Saleem stressed that open and meaningful engagement among faith communities is vital to building trust, dispelling misconceptions, and fostering peaceful coexistence.
Other distinguished speakers at the seminar were Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Muhammad Sardar Yousaf, State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, Provincial Minister for Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ (US)) including Kelly Johnson, and Professor Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute (IRI)
The speakers emphasized that collaboration among diverse faiths and cultures is indispensable to promoting peaceful coexistence.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
