Pak-Kazakh: New horizons of stability & development

2026-02-10 - 22:26

PAKISTAN and Kazakhstan have always enjoyed exemplary and friendly relations, rooted in mutual understanding and strong cultural and religious ties. The visit of Kazakhstan President Kassym Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan after 22 years marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and represents a vital step towards deepening historical connections with Central Asian countries. Both nations share several values in culture and lifestyle. President Tokayev’s designation of Pakistan as a reliable friend and strategic partner, alongside the recognition of Pakistan’s progress in the defense sector on a global platform, is a considerable diplomatic achievement. During this visit, a five-year trade roadmap was announced, signaling promise. The two countries have also committed to raising their limited trade volume to $1 billion within the next two years. While the overall economic cooperation capacity between the two nations is estimated at around $14 billion, the signing of 37 memoranda of understanding and agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education, health, sports, railways, environmental change, artificial intelligence and digital development serves as a practical demonstration of sincere commitment. With a historic presence on the ancient Silk Road, Pakistan and Kazakhstan are eager to assert their strong presence together in light of emerging regional realities, particularly in economic development projects. The landlocked Central Asian region, bordered by major countries such as China, Russia, Iran and Turkey, holds significant historical importance. It looks towards Pakistan for access to the sea, making Pakistan’s political, economic and military partnership with Central Asian States extremely important. While Pakistan serves as a gateway for Central Asia to reach South Asia, the Central Asian States can provide Pakistan with access to Eurasia. Pakistan’s active participation in the One Belt One Road initiative has played a crucial role in bringing Central and South Asia closer together. A key highlight of the visit was the review of a railway project valued at approximately $7 billion, designed to connect Kazakhstan to Pakistani ports through Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. If implemented, this project could become the largest connectivity initiative in the region, integrating into Pakistan’s extensive transport network that stretches to Chaman. This rail corridor is not merely infrastructure; it is poised to bring a railway revolution. Its completion will connect Kazakhstan with the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, enabling Pakistan to become part of the North-South International Transport Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor. Accessible ports would allow Pakistan to earn substantial transit trade revenue and establish itself as a central hub for regional commerce. Connecting Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries to Pakistan via an integrated railway and road network has been a long-discussed dream, yet tangible progress has remained limited for decades. With serious planning, ensured investment and the removal of security and administrative barriers, this endeavor could prove to be a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy. Peace and political stability in Afghanistan could transform this corridor, altering the fate of the entire region, including Pakistan. Following Kazakhstan, the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Pakistan heralds a new regional alliance. The EuroBus Falcon company, founded in Almaty in 2018, has signed a deal with Pakistan for the supply of 600 electric buses. This agreement stands as one of the largest export contracts for Kazakhstan’s engineering industry in public transport, valued at $108 million. By 2027–2028, the company intends to increase exports to Pakistan to 2,000 buses, including vehicles for school children. The Alaman Group of Kazakhstan has also expressed a commitment to invest $20 million in Pakistan’s mineral sector, especially in placer gold mining projects in Gilgit-Baltistan. The relationship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan is based on economic, cultural and security cooperation, along with strategic partnership. For Kazakhstan, Pakistan is not just a market in South Asia but provides access to the Arabian Sea, particularly at a time when reliance on one or two routes is increasingly difficult globally. Kazakhstan is not alone in recognizing Pakistan’s significance as a trading hub. At the intergovernmental commission meeting with Uzbekistan, Pakistan expressed its commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, with potential trade turnover to increase more than fourfold to $2 billion annually over the next two years. Both Pakistan and Kazakhstan are situated at the geoeconomic heart of Central and South Asia. In the context of their growing economies and special relations, these middle powers are poised to shine in the global geopolitical landscape. Ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan blossomed when Pakistan recognized Kazakhstan in 1991, and since then, the relationship has strengthened steadily. Conversely, Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia and rich in natural resources including oil, gas, uranium and other minerals, holds a significant global economic position. Its robust economic potential and dynamic leadership pave the way for new avenues in economic relations and developmental partnerships. As a key member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Organization of Turkic States and CICA, Kazakhstan is emerging as an important global power. If a portion of the agreements discussed during President Tokayev’s visit transforms into active infrastructure, trade facilitation and institutional cooperation, it will not only enhance bilateral relations but signal that middle powers in Central and South Asia possess the capacity to shape their economic destiny despite global turmoil. Currently, Pakistan needs to enhance trade relations with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Maintaining cultural ties is also crucial for building stable, long-term relations in economic, political and security sectors. Strengthening people-to-people interactions through tourism, educational scholarships and cultural exchange is a demand of the times. The growing cooperation in education is promising as well. Challenges regarding coordination and trade infrastructure exist, but the leadership’s seriousness indicates these can be overcome. By leveraging existing capacities, Kazakhstan and Pakistan can play a significant role in the economic development of Central and South Asia. —The writer is Chairman, Tehrik Jawanan Pakistan. (abdullahhamidgul1@gmail.com)