Kazakh President Tokayev Arrives in Pakistan Today on Landmark Visit; $7–8 Billion Investment Deals Expected
Islamabad:President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is arriving in Pakistan today (Tuesday) on a two-day official visit aimed at further strengthening long-standing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key economic, strategic and connectivity sectors.
According to official sources, President Tokayev will hold separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal, during which a wide range of regional, political and economic issues will be discussed. Extensive preparations have been made for a high-level and unprecedented welcome, underscoring the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Kazakhstan.President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the federal cabinet are expected to receive the Kazakh President upon his arrival at Noor Khan Airbase, Chaklala, where he will also be accorded a guard of honour.During the visit, Pakistan and Kazakhstan are expected to sign several agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of defence cooperation, railways and communications, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and enhancing long-term connectivity between Central and South Asia.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold formal talks with President Tokayev, followed by a luncheon in his honour, while President Asif Ali Zardari will host a state banquet for the visiting dignitary. Officials indicated that the visit is likely to yield investment commitments worth USD 7 to 8 billion, particularly in infrastructure, energy, transport and logistics sectors, marking a major breakthrough in bilateral economic engagement.Pakistan and Kazakhstan enjoy deep-rooted historical, cultural and diplomatic ties based on mutual respect and shared interests. Diplomatic relations were established in 1992 following Kazakhstan’s independence and have steadily expanded over the years through mechanisms such as the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Joint Intergovernmental Commission and regular political consultations.Both countries see each other as key regional partners—Pakistan as Kazakhstan’s gateway to warm-water ports and South Asian markets, and Kazakhstan as a vital partner for Pakistan in Central Asia. Enhanced rail and road connectivity and transit trade arrangements have emerged as a central pillar of bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan exports textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, leather goods and agricultural products to Kazakhstan, while Kazakhstan supplies wheat, minerals and other raw materials to Pakistan. Despite growing engagement, both sides acknowledge that bilateral trade remains well below its true potential.The visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is being viewed as a milestone in Pakistan–Kazakhstan relations, expected to elevate cooperation to a new level and contribute to regional connectivity, economic integration, stability and prosperity.
