Pakistan, Kazakhstan forge strategic partnership, target $1 billion trade expansion

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Wednesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, committing to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, security, connectivity and regional development, according to a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

The move came during the official visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the first by a Kazakh head of state to Pakistan in 23 years, which both sides described as a milestone in long-standing ties.

“The visit marks a significant step in strengthening Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations and translating political goodwill into concrete outcomes,” the Foreign Office said in the joint declaration signed by the two leaders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Kazakh president reaffirmed cooperation in political engagement, defense, trade, economy, agriculture, transport, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while underscoring respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and international law.

They agreed that closer Pakistan–Kazakhstan cooperation would contribute to peace, stability and connectivity across Central and South Asia.

Trade, economy and investment

Both leaders set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $1 billion within the next year, acknowledging that current trade of around $250 million falls short of potential.

“Pakistan and Kazakhstan have immense opportunities for economic cooperation, and we are determined to unlock them through joint efforts,” PM Sharif said during a joint press stakeout.

The two sides agreed to expand collaboration in agriculture, textiles, machinery, energy, pharmaceuticals, financial services, leather goods, surgical instruments, sports goods and modern technologies.

The prime minister also confirmed agreement on a Belarus–Russia–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan transport corridor, aimed at improving regional trade flows and connectivity.

Both countries committed to implementing the Roadmap for Trade and Economic Cooperation 2025–2027, alongside agreements on electronic trade, standardization, transit trade, customs cooperation and financial market collaboration between regulatory authorities and central banks.

They also pledged to boost investment through joint ventures and public-private partnerships, supported by institutional mechanisms such as the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission and sectoral working groups.

Security and defense

The joint statement said both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between law enforcement and border security agencies to counter terrorism, extremism, cybercrime, human trafficking, illegal migration and drug trafficking.

Tokayev acknowledged Pakistan’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and welcomed its initiatives in support of multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution.

Transport and connectivity

The leaders stressed the importance of modern transport and logistics infrastructure to strengthen bilateral and regional trade.

Authorities were directed to evaluate progress on the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project, as well as expanding road, rail and air connectivity.

Education, technology and culture

Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in education, information technology and scientific research through academic exchanges and joint working groups.

They welcomed the establishment of cultural and academic centers in Pakistan, including the Al-Farabi Cultural Center at Quaid-i-Azam University, the Satbayev Center at the National University of Sciences and Technology, and the Khoja Akhmet Yassawi Center at the International Islamic University Islamabad.

Cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, fintech, e-governance, space technology and digital infrastructure was also agreed.

Climate cooperation

Recognizing shared climate challenges, including glacial melting and environmental degradation in high mountain regions, the two sides committed to cooperation on climate resilience, renewable energy, water security and disaster risk reduction.

Zardari–Tokayev meeting

Earlier, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari met his Kazakh counterpart at Aiwan-e-Sadr and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “readiness to work closely with Kazakhstan to advance shared goals of peace, connectivity and sustainable development,” according to the President Secretariat.

“Pakistan and Kazakhstan share a relationship rooted in mutual trust, shared values and a common vision for regional prosperity,” Zardari said during the meeting.

He noted that while bilateral trade had grown in recent years, it remained “well below its true potential,” expressing confidence that the 2025–2027 trade roadmap and newly signed agreements would remove bottlenecks and expand business-to-business cooperation.

Zardari underscored the central role of regional connectivity, welcoming progress on rail and road linkages and the effective use of Quadrilateral Transit Trade Agreement routes. He said enhanced access to Pakistani ports would support broader regional integration.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan “attached great importance” to relations with Pakistan and regarded the partnership as “a key pillar of regional cooperation.”

He noted that prominent Kazakh business leaders, including three billionaires, were part of his delegation and said the $1 billion trade target was achievable. He also welcomed more Pakistani students and tourists to Kazakhstan.

Both leaders agreed that the visit opened “a new chapter” in bilateral relations and pledged close coordination to advance connectivity, economic cooperation, and regional stability.

Later, Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan on the Kazakh president in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations at a ceremony attended by PM Sharif, senior officials, diplomats, and parliamentarians.