Islamabad (TDI) Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin has announced that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will undertake an official visit to Islamabad in November, a development the envoy described as a “turning point” in strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad, Ambassador Kistafin said the visit would provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations, with both sides already preparing an ambitious agenda. “The potential for trade between Pakistan and Kazakhstan is estimated at around $14 billion,” he noted, adding that both governments were determined to raise current volumes to $1bn within the next two years.
To achieve this, six joint working groups (JWGs) covering IT, agriculture, education, defence, trade and tourism are scheduled to meet this month. Negotiations on new agreements in logistics and commerce are also on the table.
Highlighting Kazakhstan’s regional priorities, the ambassador urged Pakistan to actively join major connectivity projects such as the International North–South Transport Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. He underscored that Gwadar Port, once integrated with these routes, would provide Pakistan direct access to Kazakhstan’s ports as well as to Europe, Central Asia and South Asia.
“We fully back the Pakistan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan transit railway project, which will further enhance the regional trade grid,” he added.
Turning to domestic priorities, the envoy said President Tokayev had recently unveiled a national roadmap for artificial intelligence, digitalisation and crypto development. The Kazakh leader, he explained, was committed to transforming the country into a digital economy within the next three years, with particular emphasis on customs automation and cargo handling systems.
Ambassador Kistafin recalled that at the 8th Congress of World and Traditional Religious Leaders in Astana last week, President Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s intent to build closer ties with China, Russia, the EU, South Asia and other Central Asian states. He also reiterated commitments on democratic reforms, transparency in the 2027 referendum, and food and environmental security, particularly safeguarding the Caspian Sea.
The envoy disclosed that a major business forum is being planned in Karachi later this year, where agreements are expected in the fields of sports, education and culture.
“Both Pakistan and Kazakhstan occupy strategic locations and have the capacity to shape the future of regional connectivity and trade integration,” Ambassador Kistafin stressed.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
