Islamabad (TDI): The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pakistan organized a Roundtable dedicated to the outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held in Astana on September 17-18, 2025.
The event was organized in cooperation with the Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad (IRS) and the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). It brought together representatives of government bodies, academic institutions, religious organizations, and students from Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, was the chief guest. The Minister led the Pakistani delegation at the 8th Congress in Astana.
Other speakers of the Roundable discussion included the Minister of state of Religious and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheeal Das Kohistani, the Minister for Minority Affairs of the Government of Punjab Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, the Director General of the Islamic Research Institute of IIUI Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, and the representative of the Church of Jesus Christ Kelly Johnson.
From Kazakhstan, the Deputy Chairman of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue, Marat Kalizhanov, joined the dialogue online.
In welcome remarks, the President of IRS President, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, emphasized the relevance of Kazakhstan’s initiative, as well as the need to support and strengthen dialogue among different faiths for the sake of peace and stability.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, informed the participants about the history of the forum, its goals and objectives, and highlighted the key outcomes of the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the Final Declaration that was adopted.
Minister Yousaf shared his impressions of the 8th Congress, noting the initiatives put forward following the religious summit. He said that the Astana Declaration is not a mere formality but a full-fledged guideline for strengthening global harmony, based on states’ commitment to peace and mutual respect.
He assured that Pakistan consistently adheres to these principles both domestically and on the international stage.
The Minister also noted that Pakistan regards Kazakhstan not only as a strategic partner but also as an important participant in spiritual diplomacy, and expressed the intention to expand cooperation in the scientific, religious, youth, and humanitarian spheres.
Prof. Zia-ul-Haq, who received the status of Goodwill Ambassador at the last Congress, provided information on the Secretariat’s activities, emphasizing the noble goal pursued by Kazakhstan in developing and strengthening interfaith dialogue.
Deputy Chairman Kalizhanov informed the participants about the work of the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue in preparation for the 8th Congress.
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