By M. Abdullah Hamid Gul
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 the strengthening of relations between the two states and represents a vital step towards deepening historical connections with Central Asian countries. Both nations share several values in their culture and lifestyle. President Tokayev’s designation of Pakistan as a reliable friend and strategic partner, along with the recognition of Pakistan’s progress in the defense sector on a global platform, is a considerable diplomatic achievement for our country. During this visit, a five-year trade roadmap was announced, which is promising. The two countries have also committed to raising their limited trade volume to one billion dollars, with both parties aiming to achieve this target within the next two years. Although the overall economic cooperation capacity between the two countries is estimated to be around 14 billion dollars, the signing of 37 memoranda of understanding and agreements to enhance cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, energy, education, health, sports, railways, environmental change, artificial intelligence, and digital development—serves as a practical demonstration of this 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 the region’s new emerging 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 in a multi-dimensional context. It is looking 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 Asian states 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 Asia and South Asia closer together.
Furthermore, a key highlight of the visit was the review of a railway project valued at approximately 7 billion dollars, designed to connect Kazakhstan to Pakistani ports through Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. If implemented, this project could become the largest means of connectivity in the region, integrating into Pakistan’s extensive transport network that stretches to Chaman. This rail corridor is not merely an infrastructure project; it is set to bring about a railway revolution. The completion of this historic project 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’s logistical routes. If the ports of Gwadar and Karachi are made truly accessible for Central Asia, Pakistan can not only earn substantial revenue from transit trade but also 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. However, with serious planning, ensured investment, and removal of security and administrative barriers, this endeavor could prove to be a game changer for Pakistan’s economy. The establishment of peace and political stability in Afghanistan could transform this transport 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 also 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 the public transport sector, with the buses valued at $108 million. By 2027-2028, the company intends to increase exports to Pakistan to as many as 2,000 buses, including vehicles designed for transporting school children. The Alaman Group of Kazakhstan has also expressed a commitment to invest $20 million in Pakistan’s mineral sector, especially in placers 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 also provides access to the ports of the Arabian Sea, especially at a time when relying on one or two routes is becoming increasingly difficult for the world. 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 the potential for 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. Undoubtedly, in the context of their growing economies and special relations, these two important middle powers are poised to shine in the global geopolitical landscape.
The ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan blossomed when Pakistan recognized Kazakhstan in 1991, and since then, this relationship has only strengthened. Conversely, Kazakhstan, being the largest country in Central Asia and rich in natural resources including oil, gas, uranium, and other mineral reserves, holds a significant position in the global economy. Kazakhstan’s robust economic potential and dynamic leadership are paving the way for new avenues in economic relations and developmental partnerships. As a key member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organization of Turkic States, and the CICA, Kazakhstan is emerging as an important global power. If a portion of the agreements discussed and signed during President Kassym Jomart Tokayev’s visit transforms into active infrastructure, trade facilitation, and institutional cooperation, it will not only have positive effects on bilateral relations but will also signal that middle powers in Central and South Asia possess the ability to shape their economic destiny despite global turmoil.
Currently, Pakistan needs to enhance trade relations with Kazakhstan, as well as with other Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Maintaining cultural ties is also crucial for building and developing stable, long-term relations in the economic, political, and security sectors. Strengthening interactions among people through tourism, educational scholarships, and cultural exchange between the two countries is a demand of the times. The growing cooperation in the educational field is promising as well. However, there are some challenges regarding coordination and trade infrastructure between the two nations. The leadership’s seriousness is a clear indication that these issues can be overcome. By leveraging existing capacities, Kazakhstan and Pakistan can indeed play a significant role in the economic development of Central and South Asia.
