Islamabad – In a key development for Pak-Kazik Trade, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin called on Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade cooperation, and enhancing institutional ties between the two countries.
Both sides discussed launching direct flights between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. They also explored ways to facilitate the business community and promote collaboration between the Chambers of Commerce of both nations. Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that improving mutual connectivity is essential to increasing trade volume.
He announced that Kazakhstan’s business community will receive two-year visas within 24 hours. Additionally, Pakistan is considering five-year multiple-entry visas for Chamber of Commerce members to support seamless business travel. These steps aim to remove bureaucratic hurdles and encourage long-term commercial engagement.
Ambassador Kistafin welcomed the proposal to organize a Business Forum in Lahore. He confirmed that, like Karachi, Lahore will host joint business meetings to further strengthen Pak-Kazik Trade ties. He also expressed interest in expanding these forums to other major cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad and Faisalabad, to ensure broader participation from regional industries.
The meeting also covered the recent visit of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and other Ministers to Pakistan. Minister Khan shared that he will represent Pakistan at the upcoming Global Transport Conference in Kazakhstan, which will further deepen bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed that such high-level exchanges are vital to building trust and accelerating joint initiatives.
Ambassador Kistafin expressed Kazakhstan’s intent to develop a trade corridor to Pakistan using its own resources. He noted that routes through Afghanistan, China, and Iran are under review to make the initiative viable. This corridor would open new avenues for regional integration and economic growth, especially in sectors like logistics, agriculture, and energy.
Minister Khan stated that both countries have immense potential. He stressed the need to take practical steps to unlock opportunities. Both dignitaries also exchanged views on the regional situation and emerging challenges, reaffirming their commitment to strategic collaboration.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan have enjoyed friendly diplomatic relations since 1992. Over the years, both countries have signed multiple agreements in trade, transport, education, and defense. The recent focus on Pak-Kazik Trade reflects a shared vision to transform regional connectivity into tangible economic outcomes. With growing interest from both governments and private sectors, the momentum for deeper cooperation continues to build.
