Kazakh envoy lauds Pak role in regional peace, connectivity

ISLAMABAD: Weeks after Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran attracted global attention, a top Kazakh diplomat in Islamabad has appreciated what he has described as Pakistan’s constructive role in advancing regional peace and connectivity.

Last month, Pakistan hosted peace talks between the US and Iran in a bid to reach a negotiated settlement to end the war. Despite lingering hostility between Washington and Tehran, Islamabad’s mediatory role has received wide acknowledgement internationally.

“Ambassador Kistafin appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in advancing regional peace and connectivity and expressed Kazakhstan’s keenness to expand cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors,” said an official statement issued after a meeting between Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin on Monday.

The ambassador had called on the chairman Senate at the Parliament House.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman Senate proposed the establishment of direct flights between Pakistan and Kazakhstan to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.

He emphasised enhanced connectivity, including the establishment of direct air links, to facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people contacts.

Both sides held comprehensive discussions on political and parliamentary cooperation, trade and economic collaboration, and regional connectivity.

The chairman Senate underscored the need to strengthen institutional linkages between the legislatures of both countries.

He called for regular high-level exchanges and the reactivation of parliamentary friendship groups to foster greater engagement and exchange of best practices.

Gilani noted positive momentum in bilateral trade, particularly in the agriculture sector. He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to promote regional market access and support initiatives aimed at strengthening inter-regional linkages, noting that peace and stability remain essential prerequisites for sustainable economic growth.

Gilani commended the Kazakh ambassador’s active contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations.

Also, the Senate chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding and cordial ties with Kazakhstan, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.

The recent state visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Pakistan is a landmark development that has elevated bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership, said Gilani.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening cooperation through sustained dialogue and engagement at all levels.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026