By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
Kazakhstan and Pakistan have agreed to significantly enhance their bilateral trade and economic cooperation, setting an ambitious target of increasing mutual trade volume to $1 billion within the next two years. The understanding was reached as part of broader efforts to elevate bilateral relations and strengthen regional connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia. According to official sources, current trade between the two countries stands at approximately $250 million, far below its actual potential. Despite geographical proximity and historical ties, trade has remained limited due to logistical constraints, the lack of direct transit routes, and insufficient institutional linkages. Both governments believe these challenges can be addressed through coordinated policy measures and improved connectivity.
Kazakhstan, being a landlocked country, relies heavily on transit corridors to access international markets. In this context, Pakistan’s seaports — particularly Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port — are seen as strategically important gateways for Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states. Officials from both countries emphasized that providing reliable and cost-effective access to Pakistani ports could significantly reduce transportation time and costs, thereby boosting trade volumes. A key component of this cooperation is the development and utilization of the Trans-Afghan trade corridor, which links Central Asia with Pakistan via Afghanistan. Experts note that reviving and stabilizing this route could play a transformative role in regional trade, offering the shortest overland access to warm waters for Central Asian economies.
Discussions are also underway to connect Central Asian trade flows with the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), enabling Kazakh goods to reach Gwadar Port and global markets more efficiently. Both countries are exploring the possibility of a Transit Trade Agreement, enhanced customs cooperation, digital clearance mechanisms, and improved road and rail connectivity to facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods. Pakistan is well-positioned to export textiles, pharmaceuticals, food products, surgical instruments, sports goods, and agricultural produce to Kazakhstan, while imports from Kazakhstan are expected to include wheat, minerals, metals, oil, gas, and energy-related products.
Officials have clarified that the $1 billion target is not limited to merchandise trade alone. It also encompasses investment flows, joint ventures, industrial cooperation, energy projects, agriculture, information technology, and logistics services. Measures such as increasing business-to-business contacts, exchanging trade delegations, and expanding direct air connectivity are also being encouraged to support this objective. Economic analysts believe that if both countries ensure consistent implementation of agreed frameworks, address security and infrastructure challenges, and operationalize transit routes effectively, the $1 billion trade target is achievable.
They further note that enhanced Pakistan–Kazakhstan cooperation could contribute to broader regional economic integration, positioning Pakistan as a key trade and transit hub linking Central Asia with global markets. The Muslim countries of this region can be brought together only if their leadership is honest, sincere, and competent. They must find ways to promote and increase bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties on a large scale. Allama Iqbal, the poet-philosopher of the East, long ago predicted that unless Afghanistan achieves stability, the region cannot breathe in peace and satisfaction. He likened Afghanistan to the heart of this region, which must be purified and freed from the illness of “Fasad” for the wellbeing of all.
Afghanistan remains a broken bridge between Central Asia and other Muslim countries of the region. It is the main corridor and trade route, making peace and a stable government there of utmost importance. Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan possess plentiful natural resources that must be used in the best interests of the region and its people. Afghanistan is a key player in boosting trade among these states, but only if it guarantees that terrorism will never be exported across borders and that all terrorist groups are eradicated from its soil. Only then can good relations flourish. Both Afghanistan and Kazakhstan are landlocked countries, dependent on their neighbors for progress and prosperity.
(The writer is a senior journalist at tribal region, covers various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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