Pakistan and Kazakhstan are two of the most important members of the Central and South Asian geo-economic matrix, sharing centuries-old historical ties and fraternal bonds. As two significant middle powers with considerable promise to shine on the international geopolitical firmament, both countries bring specific strengths to their rapidly growing special relationship.

This relationship, which blossomed continually after Pakistan’s prompt recognition of Kazakhstan soon after its independence in 1991, has grown from strength to strength. Pakistan’s geography confers special advantages as a natural connector between South, Central, and West Asia. As a strong military and nuclear power, Pakistan is now seen as a security stabiliser in a region buffeted by great power competition and a fraught security situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s middle power status stems from its credentials as a security stabiliser and an economic connector, linking landlocked Central Asian countries to the Arabian Sea coast through the shortest possible route. With its large and productive population, mineral potential, agricultural productivity, IT-savvy young population, and deep-sea port infrastructure, Pakistan has the potential to emerge as an important energy, trade, tourism, and transhipment hub, connecting South, Central, and West Asia.

Kazakhstan, on the other hand, is the most important middle power in Central Asia, with abundant natural resources, sound economic potential, and dynamic leadership, pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy and opening avenues for economic connectivity and development partnerships.

As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), Organisation of Turkic States, and Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Kazakhstan is emerging as a leading regional as well as global power that believes in multilateralism, economic connectivity, and multi-vector geopolitical alignment.

Strengthening Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations Through Respect And People-To-People Ties

Cultural and religious identity also propels Kazakhstan towards South and West Asia, where countries like Turkey and Pakistan emerge as natural allies. With over 65% Central Asian DNA among Pakistanis, according to credible historians like Ahmed Hasan Dani, Pakistan possesses a natural affinity towards Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan, being the richest Central Asian country, is playing an important role as a regional stabiliser through the facilitation of regional integration and bold politico-economic reforms. Kazakhstan’s bold political and governance reforms, such as the establishment of the Constitutional Court and devolution of political power at the local........

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