On 7th October 2025, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) participated as a speaker in the Roundtable discussion on “Charting the Future Together: Pakistan-Kazakhstan Relations Ahead of the Kazakh Presidential Visit” organized by Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan at Islamabad.
The Guest of Honour, H.E. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, appreciated the growing partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. She emphasized the importance of digital cooperation, innovation, and youth engagement in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting regional development.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram delivered his presentation under Theme II: “The Foreign Policy Course of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev”, where he discussed Kazakhstan’s balanced and multi-vector foreign policy approach under President Tokayev. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a bridge between Central and South Asia and underscored Pakistan’s strategic importance in promoting regional peace, connectivity, and sustainable development. He also emphasized enhancing economic cooperation, trade linkages, and people-to-people exchanges under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, emphasized the deep-rooted friendship and mutual trust between the two nations. He reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Pakistan in areas of trade, connectivity, education, and cultural exchange.
Mr. Majid Ehsan, HI(M) (Retd), President of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), delivered the welcoming speech, highlighting the importance of academic cooperation and policy dialogue in strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed delivered the keynote address, commending Kazakhstan’s progressive foreign policy and underscoring the importance of regional unity and strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable peace and prosperity across Central and South Asia.
The Roundtable Discussion was structured into four thematic panels, each focusing on key aspects of Kazakhstan–Pakistan relations. The speakers were:
Theme I: The Address of the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the People of Kazakhstan (8 September 2025)
- Zhanar Sankhayeva, Expert from the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan (online), shared insights into President Tokayev’s vision for political modernization, economic diversification, and social transformation.
- Dr. Raashid Wali Janjua, Director Research & Analysis, Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), emphasized that President Tokayev’s address outlines a roadmap for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Theme II: The Foreign Policy Course of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
- Sergey Savelyev, Senior Expert from the Institute of Foreign Policy Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan (online), elaborated on Kazakhstan’s multi-vector diplomacy, promoting peaceful coexistence, economic cooperation, and international dialogue.
Theme III: Current Agenda of Kazakhstan–Pakistan Cooperation
- Ms. Zhadyra Assetkyzy, Expert from the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan (online), discussed emerging areas of cooperation including trade, transport, energy, and education.
- Mr. Hasan Ali Zaigham, Director General for Central Asian Republics (CARs) and Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Kazakhstan.
Theme IV: Outcomes of the VIII Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions (Astana, 17–18 September 2025)
- Marat Kalizhanov and Guldana Moldash, Experts from the International Center for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue (online), presented the outcomes of the recent Congress, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s global leadership in promoting interfaith harmony, tolerance, and dialogue among civilizations.
- Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University Islamabad, highlighted the shared Islamic values of peace and coexistence. He commended Kazakhstan’s initiatives in fostering interreligious understanding and promoting moral and spiritual unity among global communities.
The event was attended by scholars, diplomats, researchers, and media representatives, fostering meaningful dialogue and strengthening the vision of enhanced Pakistan–Kazakhstan cooperation for regional stability and development.
