Kazakhstan–Pakistan relations have entered a new phase. On February 4, 2026, in Islamabad, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the media following talks with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, outlining key agreements, ambitious economic targets and a shared strategic vision for the future, DKNews.kz reports.
“Pakistan is a reliable and important partner for Kazakhstan”
The President began by thanking the Pakistani side for the invitation and warm hospitality extended to the Kazakh delegation.
“I am pleased to visit Pakistan, a brotherly country with a rich history, vibrant culture and strong standing on the international stage,” Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
He emphasized the deep historical and spiritual ties between the two nations.
“Pakistan is a reliable and important partner of Kazakhstan in South Asia and beyond. Our peoples are connected by centuries-old ties rooted in the legacy of the Great Silk Road, as well as shared values, traditions and aspirations for the future,” the President noted.
A key outcome of the talks was the signing of the Joint Declaration on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
“Today, together with the respected Prime Minister, we signed a historic document that elevates our relations to a new level and opens broad opportunities for cooperation across the entire spectrum of bilateral and multilateral engagement,” Tokayev said, thanking Shehbaz Sharif for his personal contribution to strengthening ties.
Assessing Pakistan’s leadership and international role
President Tokayev described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a far-sighted leader guiding his country confidently toward progress.
“Thanks to his balanced, future-oriented policies, Islamabad’s standing in the region and globally continues to grow,” the President said.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and its contribution to regional and international stability.
“Pakistan has significant economic potential, a developed industrial base and vast transit and transport capabilities. Its agricultural, light industry and medical products are widely represented on international markets,” Tokayev stated.
Trade, logistics and the $1 billion target
The President said the negotiations were substantive and result-oriented.
“We thoroughly discussed trade, transport and logistics, industry, energy, information technologies, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” he noted.
According to Tokayev, bilateral trade is growing rapidly.
“Last year, bilateral trade doubled compared to the previous year. We have set an ambitious goal to increase trade turnover to $1 billion in the coming years,” the President said.
Creating favorable conditions for business cooperation and prioritizing transport and logistics projects were identified as key steps toward this goal.
Karachi, Gwadar and routes through Afghanistan
During the talks, Pakistan’s expanding role in transit and logistics was highlighted as an opportunity for Kazakhstan.
“We discussed the potential of the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, and transit routes passing through Afghanistan,” Tokayev said.
The sides also considered prospects for a railway project along the Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route, which could significantly strengthen connectivity between Central and South Asia.
Aviation, agriculture and industrial cooperation
The President said the possibility of resuming direct air connections between the two countries is being studied.
“This is extremely important for the development of business ties and tourism,” he stressed.
Agro-industrial cooperation was also a focus of the talks.
“I invited Pakistani companies to establish production facilities in Kazakhstan. At present, there is strong interest in agricultural processing, pharmaceuticals and the production of construction materials,” Tokayev said.
Security, digital technologies and investment
President Tokayev noted progress in cooperation between defense industries and security agencies.
“The strategic importance of introducing digital technologies into the economy was emphasized, and we confirmed our readiness to work jointly in this area,” he stated.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in Islamic finance.
“The Astana International Financial Centre has created all the necessary conditions for developing halal finance across the Eurasian space, which Pakistani financial institutions can effectively utilize,” the President said.
In addition, a Joint Investment Platform has been established between Samruk-Kazyna and the Fauji Foundation to explore concrete investment projects.
Business forum, education and humanitarian ties
President Tokayev announced that more than 250 companies from both countries would participate in the Kazakhstan–Pakistan business forum.
“I am confident that this important event will unlock the untapped potential of our trade, economic and investment relations,” he said.
He also noted growing interest among Pakistani youth in studying in Kazakhstan.
“More than a thousand Pakistani students are currently studying in Kazakhstan. We agreed to further strengthen cooperation in science and education,” Tokayev said, pointing to the opening of Al-Farabi, Satpayev and Yassawi centers at universities in Islamabad.
Sports, culture and people-to-people ties
Humanitarian cooperation was given special attention.
“Today, we ceremonially opened the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Dostyk Sports Complex,” the President said.
The center will host training in traditional Kazakh sports, chess, boxing and mixed martial arts, as well as regular cultural and sporting events.
Peace, diplomacy and the UN agenda
International and regional security issues were also discussed.
“Any conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic efforts. The principles of the UN Charter and international law must be strictly observed and have unconditional priority,” Tokayev emphasized.
He thanked Pakistan for supporting Kazakhstan’s initiatives and noted the signing of an intergovernmental memorandum on joint participation in UN peacekeeping missions.
“A new chapter begins”
In conclusion, President Tokayev подчеркнул significance of the visit.
“I am convinced that the strategic partnership established today and the agreements reached will serve the interests of both countries. May the bonds of friendship between our brotherly peoples be strong, lasting and future-oriented,” he said, adding that he looks forward to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Kazakhstan.
For his part, Shehbaz Sharif stated:
“Pakistan considers Kazakhstan one of its most important partners in Central Asia. I am confident that today’s productive talks and the signed documents will give new momentum to the development of our bilateral relations.”
The Islamabad talks made it clear that Kazakhstan and Pakistan are moving from political dialogue to concrete projects, building a long-term strategic partnership focused on results.
