In a historic move to redefine regional connectivity and economic cooperation, Pakistan and Kazakhstan today officially established a “Strategic Partnership.” The milestone was reached during the official visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Islamabad, where he was conferred with the Nishan-e-Pakistan, the country’s highest civilian award.
Nishan-e-Pakistan Conferred on President Tokayev
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan upon President Tokayev during a prestigious investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, recognized President Tokayev’s leadership in strengthening the “centuries-old ties” rooted in the legacy of the Silk Road and shared cultural affinity.
🇵🇰🇰🇿 President Asif Ali Zardari met President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at Aiwan-e-Sadr, held delegation-level talks and conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence & regional stability. @TokayevKZ @aqorda_press pic.twitter.com/Gy0W04JYzR
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 4, 2026
$1 Billion Trade Roadmap: 30+ MoUs Signed
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Tokayev oversaw the signing of more than 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements span vital sectors including trade, defense, connectivity, and regional stability.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgency of boosting economic ties: “Our current trade volume of $250 million does not reflect our potential. Today, we commit to a roadmap that will raise our bilateral trade to $1 billion within the next year.”
A New Era of Strategic Cooperation
President Tokayev described the “Joint Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership” as a historical document that opens “immense opportunities across the full spectrum of bilateral agendas.” He lauded Pakistan as a reliable and important partner in South Asia, noting the deep spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.
Key highlights of the delegation-level talks included:
- Connectivity: Enhancing transit trade routes to link Central Asia with the Arabian Sea.
- Trade: Streamlining customs and regulatory frameworks to achieve the $1b target.
- Regional Stability: Aligning positions on regional security and multilateral cooperation.
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State Welcome and Aerial Salute
The Kazakh President’s arrival was marked by a high-level reception at Nur Khan Airbase by both the President and Prime Minister. In a symbolic gesture of honor, a six-member squadron of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) provided an aerial salute as the President’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace.
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