ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in culture, heritage, education and tourism, with both countries agreeing to enhance people-to-people ties through joint cultural initiatives and exchanges.The understanding was reached during a farewell meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin, in Islamabad on Friday.The minister praised Ambassador Kistafin for his significant role in strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan cultural relations during his tenure and expressed confidence that the close partnership between the two countries would continue to grow under his successor.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, educational collaboration and cultural exchanges. Ambassador Kistafin emphasized the centuries-old historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan, Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region, calling for renewed efforts to further strengthen these longstanding ties.The ambassador expressed optimism that direct flights between Kazakhstan and Pakistan would begin next year, opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural exchanges. He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s scholarship programs for Pakistani students as an important pillar of educational cooperation.Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the expected visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Kazakhstan next year would provide a valuable opportunity to further expand bilateral relations. Ambassador Kistafin proposed organizing joint performances by artists and musicians from both countries during the visit, showcasing the strong cultural partnership between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
The ambassador also invited the federal minister and his delegation to visit Kazakhstan to explore new avenues of cultural collaboration.The minister assured that the National Heritage and Culture Division, along with its affiliated institutions including Lok Virsa, would continue working closely with the Embassy of Kazakhstan to promote stronger cultural relations. He informed the ambassador that recommendations for a Pakistani cultural delegation—comprising a music teacher, a scholar and two instrumentalists—had already been approved, and Pakistan looks forward to receiving a formal invitation from Kazakhstan.Ambassador Kistafin revealed that Kazakhstan has prepared a comprehensive bilateral Action Plan covering a wide range of cultural activities, describing it as one of the most extensive cooperation frameworks Kazakhstan has with any partner country.Welcoming the initiative, Minister Khichi directed the relevant authorities to begin preparations for implementing the proposed projects ahead of the anticipated prime ministerial visit.
The minister also invited Kazakhstan to participate in future editions of Pakistan’s flagship cultural festival, Lok Mela, with its artists and cultural groups. The ambassador welcomed the invitation and expressed Kazakhstan’s willingness to further expand cultural engagement through the festival.In addition, Minister Khichi proposed organizing a special exhibition in Kazakhstan featuring Pakistan’s archaeological treasures, traditional arts, historical photographs and multimedia presentations to showcase the country’s rich civilizational heritage, including the Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara Buddhist heritage, Islamic civilization and its diverse cultural traditions.
Ambassador Kistafin appreciated the proposal, describing it as an excellent opportunity to introduce Pakistan’s rich heritage to international audiences while strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to implementing the bilateral cultural Action Plan and further deepening Pakistan-Kazakhstan cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.
