The Pakistan Kazakhstan strategic partnership reached a new milestone as both countries agreed to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion and expand cooperation across key sectors.
The understanding emerged during the official visit of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Islamabad. The visit marked the first by a Kazakh president to Pakistan in more than 23 years.
Pakistan Kazakhstan strategic partnership
Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed to increase trade from nearly $250 million to $1 billion within the next year. Leaders said the current figures do not reflect the real potential of bilateral relations.
Both sides signed over two dozen Memorandums of Understanding and agreements. These covered petroleum, mining, agriculture, information technology, maritime affairs, and logistics.
A Kazakhstan-Pakistan Business Forum took place during the visit. More than 250 companies from both countries joined the event to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities.
Ports, Connectivity, and Transport Corridors
Pakistan offered Kazakhstan full access to the Karachi and Gwadar seaports. Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, seeks alternative routes to global markets.
The two countries also agreed to support a regional transport corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Officials said the route could connect Central Asia with the Global South.
Both sides discussed resuming direct flights. They said improved air links would strengthen business ties and people-to-people contact.
Energy, Defense, and Industrial Links
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Leaders reviewed progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline and discussed future prospects.
Pakistan and Kazakhstan also agreed to expand cooperation in the defense sector. Pakistan offered collaboration based on its established defense manufacturing capacity.
Mining emerged as another priority area. Pakistan expressed interest in joint projects by using Kazakhstan’s expertise in natural resources.
Diplomatic Engagement and Education
President Tokayev received the Nishan-i-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award, during the visit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Kazakh president on joining the international Board of Peace. The leaders also exchanged views on regional peace and supported a two-state solution for Gaza.
More than 1,000 Pakistani students currently study in Kazakhstan. Both countries agreed to expand academic and scientific exchanges.
Why This Matters
The Pakistan Kazakhstan strategic partnership strengthens Pakistan’s role as a regional gateway between Central Asia and international markets. It also offers Kazakhstan direct access to key seaports and diversified trade routes.
What Happens Next
Joint working groups will begin implementing the signed agreements. Both sides expect progress on trade facilitation, port access, transport corridors, and energy cooperation in the coming months.