Islamabad, May 4, 2026 – The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr.Yerzhan Kistafin, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The parties engaged in a detailed discussion on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the development of political and inter-parliamentary dialogue, regional security matters, trade and economic cooperation, and the strengthening of regional connectivity.

During the conversation, the Chairman of the Senate highly appreciated the dynamic development of Kazakhstan-Pakistan cooperation. H.E. Mr. Yousuf Raza Gilani paid particular attention to the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Islamabad, noting its historic significance. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing and strengthening bilateral engagement across a wide range of areas.

Key areas of cooperation identified included regional security, the development of regional connectivity, and logistics routes. In this context, the Speaker emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral trade, as well as reinstating direct air links between the two countries. Additionally, he advocated for further strengthening of people-to-people contacts, the development of tourism, and cooperation in the field of education. Overall, the discussion highlighted the considerable potential for deepening interaction between the two nations.

Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, H.E. Mr. Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasized the need to strengthen institutional ties between the legislative bodies of the two countries. He called for regular high-level exchanges, including through parliamentary friendship groups.

In turn, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his personal support in advancing the Kazakhstan-Pakistan bilateral agenda. He briefed on the measures being implemented to follow up on the agreements reached at the leadership level of the two countries. The Ambassador also informed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, has accepted the invitation of the President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to visit Astana this year. In this regard, active preparations are underway to ensure a substantive and productive agenda for the upcoming visit to the capital of Kazakhstan.

The Ambassador also spoke about the work carried out within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission and joint working groups. Regarding inter-parliamentary cooperation, he recalled the visit of the Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Erlan Koshanov, in December 2022, as well as Kazakhstan’s invitation to the Parliament of Pakistan to visit Kazakhstan.

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin also briefed on the results of the constitutional referendum held on March 15, 2026, and outlined key initiatives of the constitutional reform aimed at further improving the country’s political system. In particular, he highlighted plans to introduce the position of Vice President and reform the Parliament of Kazakhstan by transitioning from a bicameral to a unicameral system.

In turn, the Chairman of the Senate, H.E. Mr. Yousuf Raza Gilani, highly appreciated the policy pursued under the leadership of President H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, noting the broad public support for these initiatives in Kazakhstan.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to continue assisting and making efforts to strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-islamabad/press/news/details/1215134?lang=kk