ISLAMABAD: The relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan are on an upward trajectory to collaborate and promote regional connectivity.

Speakers at a roundtable on “Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Political Reforms in the framework of building a New Kazakhstan” noted on Monday that both the countries, having strong three decades of bilateral cooperation, were contributing towards shaping the regional future by encouraging peace, dialogue and trade.

The event was onorganised by the Institute of Peace and Diplomacy (IPDS), Embassy of Kazakhstan to Pakistan and Riphah Insitute of Public Policy, Riphah International University.

Scholars from Pakistan and Kazakhstan spoke on occasion in the hybrid format.

The speakers said Kazakhstan had played its key role as regional peace and dialogue hub and, over the years, had made substantial political, parliamentary, and administrative reforms to move the country forward in peace and progress.

In his keynote address Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, reiterated that Pakistan and Kazakhstan had been supporting each other for three decades, and the two are successfully cooperating in a bilateral and multilateral format.

Over the years, this partnership has been strengthened through cooperation and outstanding diplomatic, economic, and political consultations. While highlighting the recent speech by the President of Kazakhstan and the steps taken by the government for the political reforms, Ambassador said they are meant to create a path for peace, development, and inclusiveness in the society for the people to contribute towards building new and prosperous Kazakhstan.

In her opening remarks, Farhat Asif, President of IPDS, said the roundtable was organised to revisit the important contours of the relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan and understand the new Kazakhstan.

Prof Dr Razia Sultana, former vice chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University, highlighted the role of Kazakhstan in playing its humanitarian and peacebuilding role for regional peace and prosperity. She said that Kazakhstan and Pakistan are collaborating in this regard. Toktarov Yermek Bauyrzhanovich, Head of the Political Research Department of Kazakhstan, Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, explained the political reforms and overall process that led to these important steps for the country.

Prof. Dr. Zahid Anwar, Pro- Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, Pakistan, highlighted prospects for scientific and education linkages between Kazakhstan and Pakistan and said there should be deep-rooted knowledge exchanges between people from both sides. 

Dr. Kaliyeva Elmira Abdykovna, the Deputy Director of the Institute of Parliamentarism, Kazakhstan, spoke about the constitutional transformations in Kazakhstan and their contribution to changing the role of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Finally, Dr. Mushab Yousafi, HoD, Department of IR, Riphah International University, Islamabad, thanked the participants.  The event was attended by foreign diplomats, prominent politicians, heads of think tanks and public organizations, universities of Pakistan, businessmen, and local media representatives.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2022