President Asif Zardari and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: screenshot
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday bestowed the country’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his official visit to the country.
A special inauguration ceremony was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other dignitaries.
The President also held delegation-level talks with his Kazakh counterpart, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in the areas of trade, connectivity, defense and regional stability.
🇵🇰🇰🇿 President Asif Ali Zardari met President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at Aiwan-e-Sadr, held delegation-level talks and conferred Nishan-e-Pakistan. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the areas of trade, connectivity, defense and regional stability. @TokayevKZ @aqorda_press pic.twitter.com/Gy0W04JYzR
– The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 4, 2026
Earlier today, Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed over 30 memorandums of understanding aimed at achieving a billion-dollar trade target across several sectors.
Addressing a joint press conference after the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the current level of trade does not reflect the strength of bilateral ties or the economic potential of the two countries.
“Unfortunately, our trade volume is only $250 million, which does not reflect the strength of our friendship and the potential of the two countries. Let us commit to increasing our trade volume to $1 billion in the next year,” he said.
President Tokayev described Pakistan as a “reliable and important partner in South Asia and beyond.”
“Our people are united by centuries-old ties rooted in the heritage of the Great Silk Road, as well as deep cultural and spiritual affinities,” Tokayev said.
Learn more: Pakistan, Kazakhstan sign over 30 MoUs
“Our nations share common values, traditions and aspirations for the future,” he added.
Tokayev said the two sides had “signed a historic document – a joint declaration – on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.”
“By elevating our relations to a new level, we open up immense opportunities to engage across the full spectrum of bilateral and multilateral agendas,” he said.
Tokayev arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday and was received at Nur Khan Air Base by Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Zardari. A squadron of six Pakistan Air Force fighter jets carried out an aerial salute as their aircraft entered Pakistani airspace.
