ISLAMABAD — President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow, February 3, 2026, for a pivotal two-day state visit. This visit marks a significant moment in South-Central Asian diplomacy, coming at a time when both nations are seeking to solidify their roles as gateways for regional trade.
The Agenda
President Tokayev, traveling at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior cabinet ministers.
- State Meetings: He will hold formal talks with Prime Minister Sharif and meet with President Asif Ali Zardari.
- Economic Engagement: A key highlight is the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum, where Tokayev will address business leaders to promote direct investment and private-sector partnerships.
- Policy Review: The two sides will conduct a “comprehensive review” of bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, logistics, and people-to-people contacts.
🔊PR No.3️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Curtain Raiser: Visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, February 3-4 2026https://t.co/XyhgHEcMLK
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uWYCVbMB5P— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 2, 2026
The $7 Billion “Game-Changer” Rail Pact
The most anticipated outcome of this visit is the formalization of a massive infrastructure agreement:
- Rail Connectivity: The two nations are set to sign a $7 billion rail connectivity pact.
- The Route: The project aims to link Pakistan with Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan via the Chaman border, effectively connecting South Asia to the heart of the Eurasian landmass.
- Strategic Goal: This network is designed to position Pakistan as a primary transit hub for Central Asian goods, significantly reducing transport costs and time to international markets.
Strategic Significance
For both Islamabad and Astana, the visit represents a “win-win” pivot in their foreign policies:
- Pakistan as a Land Bridge: Islamabad aims to leverage its seaports (Karachi and Gwadar) to provide landlocked Central Asian republics with the shortest route to the Arabian Sea.
- Kazakhstan’s Multi-Vector Policy: Facing economic turbulence in Eurasia due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Kazakhstan is diversifying its trade routes to the south.
- Trade Targets: While bilateral trade stood at approximately $239 million in 2025, officials from both sides have expressed a desire to push this figure toward $1 billion through the new logistics frameworks.
Pakistan-Kazakhstan Trade Profile (2025-26)
| Category | Details |
| Pakistan’s Key Exports | Citrus fruits, pharmaceuticals, garments, and sports gear. |
| Kazakhstan’s Key Exports | Leguminous vegetables, grains (oats/buckwheat), and cereal seeds. |
| New Focus Areas | Renewable energy, industrial power trade, and digital customs. |
A “Central Asian Week” in Islamabad
Tokayev’s arrival is just the beginning of a high-stakes diplomatic week. Following his departure, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is also expected to visit Pakistan on February 5–6, further underscoring the region’s shift toward integrated economic corridors.
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