Islamabad (TDI): The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pakistan briefed Pakistani academics, think-tank representatives and journalists on President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s State of the Nation Address. The event coincided with Iqbal Day, observed with fervor across Pakistan.
Ambassador Yerkin Tukumov opened the expert meeting, titled “Kazakhstan’s Current Priorities in a New Historical Cycle.” The President delivered the address on October 28, and it was his first since the new Constitution took effect on July 1.
The address sets out a vision of a “Just, Strong, Clean and Progressive Kazakhstan.” Ambassador Tukumov said Kazakhstan has become Central Asia’s largest economy, a Eurasian investment and transport hub, and a middle power with a balanced foreign policy.
He cited a “People’s Construction” program, described as the largest infrastructure project in the country’s history. He also said the minimum wage will rise from 85,000 to 110,000 tenge on January 1, 2027, and that a three-year moratorium on inspections of micro and small businesses will begin the same day.
On bilateral ties, the ambassador said trade of about $1 billion last year was “very modest” and needed to grow. He urged the private sectors to explore trade, investment, digital services and agriculture. “The Central Asia and South Asia corridor will be a game changer for Pakistan and Kazakhstan bilateral relations,” he said.
Irsa Khalid, Research Associate at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), spoke on behalf of IPDS President Dr. Farhat Asif.
She said the address “represents a comprehensive national vision that connects political stability, economic modernization, technological advancement and human development with the broader objective of strengthening national sovereignty.”
She said the proposed minimum wage increase, hospital and school investment and public administration reforms link national ambition to citizens’ daily lives. Success, she added, “will depend upon effective implementation.”
She recalled President Tokayev’s state visit to Pakistan on February 3–4, 2026, which raised relations to a Strategic Partnership.
“The historic presidential visit has established the political foundation. The Strategic Partnership has provided the framework,” she said. “Our shared responsibility is to translate this momentum into meaningful achievements that benefit both nations.”
She said the next chapter should focus on “transforming high-level political understanding into sustainable institutional partnerships.”
She named universities, research institutions, business communities, young professionals and civil society as the main drivers. She also called for cooperation in education, scientific research, agriculture, energy and digital technology.
She said Kazakhstan’s resources, industrial capabilities and geography could be paired with Pakistan’s markets, skilled workforce and maritime access, subject to investment, regional stability and coordination. She also welcomed Ambassador Tukumov to Pakistan.
Khalid Taimur Akram proposed a Kazakhstan-Pakistan “Research Corridor” for university and youth exchanges. Dr. Irfan Shahzad Takalvi stressed the Khorgos–Khunjerab–Karachi transit route.
Professor Adam Saud of Bahria University highlighted the potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Muhammad Zaman pointed to opportunities in AI, energy and media. Participants praised the President’s strategic vision and the reform agenda.
