The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, hosted a reception for a Kazakhstan media delegation at the Pak-China Friendship Centre in Islamabad. The gathering provided a platform for sustained dialogue on deepening Pakistan Kazakhstan ties and enhancing cooperation between media communities of both countries.
Mr. Ataullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, addressed the audience and underscored the strategic importance of strengthened Pakistan Kazakhstan ties across energy, culture, tourism, trade, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He pointed to the recent visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as a sign of deepening high-level engagement and announced that both governments are moving forward with agreements and memoranda to turn shared intentions into concrete outcomes.
H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, and Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President IRS, spoke on the prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Saleem highlighted Pakistan’s outreach to Central Asia and the potential for linking South Asia with Central Asia and the Caucasus through trade corridors and improved transport connectivity, reinforcing the push to broaden Pakistan Kazakhstan ties into a wide-ranging economic partnership.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed described Kazakhstan as a crucial partner for regional stability and connectivity and commended Ambassador Kistafin for proactive diplomacy that has strengthened mutual trust. Contributions from the media and academic community, including Dr. Adam Saud, Dr. Taraq Waheed, senior anchors Shaukat Paracha and Farooq Hassan, and Mr. Yargali from Kazakhstan, emphasised the role of media exchanges in consolidating bilateral understanding.
The reception drew senior government officials and dignitaries such as Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Ms. Shamaila Rana, Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad Khalid and Ms. Raisa Adil, reflecting wide interest in expanded collaboration with Central Asia. Participants said that focused cooperation in areas like energy security, trade facilitation and cultural exchange will be key to translating diplomatic momentum into tangible benefits for both countries.
