Pakistan and Kazakhstan Explore New Era of Trade and Connectivity with Proposed Railway Link
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to begin work on the feasibility of a railway link between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, a project he described as a “game-changer” for regional trade and economic opportunities. This ambitious rail link would connect Central Asian States (CASs) directly to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, enhancing trade routes and regional connectivity.
Speaking to Kazakhstan’s Minister for Transport, Marat Karabayev, at the Prime Minister’s House, PM Shehbaz emphasized the immense potential of the proposed rail link in boosting economic growth in both countries and the broader region. “This rail link will provide direct access to Gwadar Port for the Central Asian states, opening up new avenues for trade and strengthening economic ties,” he stated.
The prime minister also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming visit of Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Pakistan, calling it a vital step towards furthering bilateral relations. He mentioned that a Pakistani delegation would soon visit Kazakhstan to discuss technical aspects and finalize the feasibility study for the railway project.
In addition to the railway link, PM Shehbaz proposed the establishment of Kazakhstan university campuses in Pakistan, which would foster greater educational cooperation between the two nations. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing air connectivity and strengthening business-to-business (B2B) relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
During the meeting, Minister Marat Karabayev thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and shared his country’s interest in developing stronger B2B ties with Pakistan. He highlighted the strategic significance of Karachi and Gwadar ports for Kazakhstan and expressed his country’s eagerness to capitalize on the proposed rail link to foster greater trade connectivity.
The meeting also touched on potential collaboration in agriculture, trade, investment, information technology, and communications. Additionally, the two sides discussed the outcomes of the 13th session of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Joint Inter-Ministerial Commission, where a framework agreement was signed for cooperation across 10 sectors, along with multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting collaboration in culture, textiles, and mineral development.
A Kazakh business delegation is currently visiting Pakistan, having toured the Karachi and Gwadar ports and participated in several B2B meetings. The ongoing dialogue between both countries is expected to pave the way for deeper economic and cultural ties.
The meeting, which also included ministers from various sectors, highlighted the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations and create new pathways for economic growth and development.