Islamabad | 12 February 2026(Ghufran): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Pakistan, hosted a conference titled “Pakistan–Kazakhstan Relations: Post-Visit Reflections and Pathways for Strategic Cooperation” at the Movenpick Hotel, Islamabad. The conference followed the historic state visit of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan and reflected on the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Diplomats, scholars, and policymakers from both countries discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, education, emerging technologies, and regional security.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood underscored shared history and growing convergence on regional issues, highlighting connectivity and untapped economic potential. He also announced the signing of an MoU between ISSI and Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Research Institute. Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin termed the presidential visit a “new chapter” in relations, pointing to plans for expanded business engagement, direct flights, transport corridors, and trans-Afghan connectivity. Speakers in the working sessions emphasized strengthening institutional dialogue, operationalizing trade and transit frameworks, leveraging regional platforms, promoting academic and cultural exchanges, and enhancing cooperation in AI and emerging technologies.
Concluding the event, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan described Pakistan–Kazakhstan ties as entering a decisive implementation phase, calling for sustained follow-up to ensure the strategic partnership delivers tangible outcomes for both countries and the wider region.