ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to deepen economic and trade cooperation through new connectivity measures, including direct flights, expedited visas for business leaders, and joint business forums.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin here on Tuesday, according to an official press release.
Ambassador Kistafin confirmed that following a successful business forum in Karachi, a similar event will now be held in Lahore, with further joint meetings to be organized across major Pakistani cities. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s plan to develop a trade corridor to Pakistan using its own resources, with multiple routes under consideration through Afghanistan, China, and Iran.
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan announced that members of Kazakhstan’s business community would be granted two-year visas within 24 hours by Pakistan. A proposal is also being studied to issue five-year multiple-entry visas to Chamber of Commerce members to ensure seamless travel and trade engagement.
Both sides emphasized that direct air connectivity will be a game changer in boosting bilateral trade volume and strengthening institutional linkages between their Chambers of Commerce.
The discussions also touched upon the recent visit of Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and other ministers to Pakistan. Minister Aleem Khan shared that he will represent Pakistan at the upcoming Global Transport Conference in Kazakhstan.
Both dignitaries agreed that Pakistan and Kazakhstan possess vast untapped potential and stressed that the time has come to take practical steps to translate opportunities into outcomes. They also exchanged views on the regional situation and common challenges.
