ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: “Founding President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev shall be remembered for building his nation from scratches to a leading nation in Central Asia”.
This has been observed by intellectuals, writers, senior journalists, retired civil and military leaders and diplomats including former Secretary Tariq Mahmood, development observer and senior journalist Agha Iqrar Haroon, senior journalist and anchorperson Hamid Mir, senior journalist and anchorperson Iftikhar Ahmed, former Ambassador Ghalib Iqbal, former Ambassador Sarwar Naqvi, senior journalist Anwar Shahzad Farooqi and senior journalist Zafar Sheikh.
When Dispatch News Desk (DND) News Agency contacted them for comments, they were of the view that voluntarily relinquishment from powers as the Head of State after serving 30 years as the President of Kazakhstan indicates that he (Nursultan Nazarbayev) is a selfless leader and thinks about only his nation and the country.
DND is producing important observations received from above mentioned notable personalities as hereunder:
- As the first President N. Nazarbayev stated that he sees his future task in ensuring the handing over of power to a new generation of leaders who will continue the transformation being carried out in the country.
- This important decision of the Head of State showed his greatness as a politician, who is recognized at the global level and on a historical scale. This decision was motivated by considerations of the highest order, true concern for the future of Kazakhstan.
- Nursultan city formerly known as Astana will always remind the world about Nursultan Nazarbov who made this city as capital of Kazakhstan. Modernization of this city between 1997 and 2019 is remarkable.
- Under the leadership of the first President N. Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan achieved many great accomplishments, first of all the treasured independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He laid the foundations of the new state and formed new state institutions. These include the presidency, the Bicameral Parliament, the civil service, the armed forces, the diplomatic service and civil society institutions.
- Under his leadership, reforms aimed at the modernization of the economy have been systematically implemented. In a short period of time, Kazakhstan was transformed into a modern, advanced state, part of the group of the 50 most competitive countries in the world. The Republic of Kazakhstan has become the leader of the Central Asian region in all economic indicators, and took a leading position in the post-Soviet space.
- The former president placed important focus on attracting investment into the economy. Thanks to this, Kazakhstan is leading the entire post-socialist countries including Central Europe, in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) per capita. Kazakhstan has attracted more than $300 billion in FDI.
- The strategy “Kazakhstan 2050”, the “Nurly Zhol” new economic policy, the nation’s “100 Concrete Steps” are aimed at modernizing the country, and further strengthening the economic potential of Kazakhstan. The country’s industrial power is being consistently strengthened, scientific developments are being introduced into production, and the digitization of the economy and public life is being carried out.
- Kazakhstan has now developed into a transport and logistics hub of global importance, which will significantly enhance the county’s economic potential and credit goes to Nursultan Nazarbayev.
- Kazakhstan has become a territory of harmony, accord, and tolerance between all peoples and religious denominations. Thanks to the historical synthesis of world religions, languages, cultures and traditions, Kazakhstan has formed a society in which peace and harmony have become an integral part of the country’s political culture.
- The model of peace and social harmony developed by the Leader of the Nation Nursultan Nazarbayev has received international recognition as a standard of the harmonious development of society.
- Kazakhstan has taken a worthy place in the global educational space. It is among the leading countries of the world list on the Human Development Index in terms of adult literacy. Kazakhstan has also entered the group of states with a high level of human development.
- The “Madeni Mura” (Cultural Heritage) programme, initiated by Nursultan Nazarbayev, gave a new impetus to the development of country’s culture. The first president significantly contributed towards the construction and development of Kazakhstan’s new capital. Establishing the city of Astana is a historic feat of the Head of State. Kazakh’s capital has become a true image of an independent country, the pride of its people. It is a sacred representation of the concept and ideology of the new state.
- The historical achievement of the Head of State also lies in the fact that Kazakhstan for the first time in its national history has a state border legally defined by international agreements. Now it is a border of good-neighborliness and cooperation, which is extremely important in current geopolitical realities.
- Nursultan Nazarbayev is recognized worldwide as the initiator who set up the Eurasian Economic Union as a strong advocate for Eurasian integration. He stood at the origins of authoritative international organisations such as the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.
- Kazakhstan has become an authoritative and influential participant in global peace processes, the country was elected to the UN Security Council for 2017-2018, received world recognition as the leader of the global movement for nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, as well as an impartial mediator in interfaith dialogue.
- Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev remains the only and lifelong Leader of the Nation (Father of the Nation) in Kazakhstan. He is also Chairman of the Security Council, Chairman of the Nur Otan party, Chairman of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, and a Member of the Constitutional Council. An authoritative opinion of the Leader of the Nation will have a particular, even, priority importance in the development and adoption of strategic decisions.
- Kazakhstan carried out the transfer of power in a calm, conflict-free way, which is a powerful factor in ensuring internal stability and strengthening the international authority of Kazakhstan. This is another manifestation of the high political culture of Kazakhstan people, and its exceptional wisdom. It is also a good example for future generations. Having voluntarily relinquished duties as President, Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev again showed the entire world his wisdom and leadership as a great politician, committed to democratic values.
- President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan was a veteran leader of his country, who rendered outstanding service to the state, both during the time when Kazakhstan was a constituent member of the USSR, and later as an independent state. He was the first president of the independent Republic of Kazakhstan and assumed office in 1990, nearly 19 years ago. He played a pioneering role in the evolution and growth of the new state, and took the crucial decision of building the new capital of Astana. In international affairs, he was one of the main architects of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) and developed regional integration among Central Asian States. He was also very active in undertaking initiatives on behalf of Kazakhstan in global disarmament efforts. He will be remembered for his national and international role and contributions.
- President Nursultan Nazarbayev is an iconic leader not only for Kazakhstan but also for the world. His rule saw the country progress from a struggling State to a developed State. The vision of this great leader helped transform Kazakhstan into a country which is the envy of any citizen of any country. Stable economy, proactive foreign policy, security of human lives and property and a vibrant social set up owe it to this great leader. Our best wishes and prayers for him. We shall miss him but the world shall continue to benefit from his wisdom. May he have a healthy, prosperous, successful and long life. May Allah be his protector!
The new President of Kazakhstan is the former Chairman of the Senate of Parliament Kassym-Jomart Kemelovich Tokayev. He is a graduate of MGIMO, doctor of science. Fluent in English and Chinese. He has come a long way in the leadership positions of the Republic. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the years of the formation of the country’s foreign policy, he worked as the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of the country, the Chairperson of the Senate. He knows the country, its economy and politics. He was nominated and worked as the Deputy Secretary-General of the UN. This was a great recognition of his merits as a diplomat and a sign of confidence in Kazakhstan.
He has been working with Leader of the Nation since the first days of independence of Kazakhstan. He fully supports implemented policy inside and outside the country. All programmes were developed and adopted with his participation. As the Leader of the Nation stressed “I believe that Tokayev is the person we can entrust the governance of Kazakhstan”.
Peaceful transition of power in Kazakhstan took place, and all priorities and goals of foreign policy of Kazakhstan will remain unchanged. Relations with Pakistan will remain among the most important one and Kazakhstan will continue to promote cooperation in all spheres. There is a need to work to enhance and elevate to qualitatively new level bilateral trade and economic relations and make concrete plans for the future cooperation. Adoption of the ‘Road Map’, proposed by Kazakhstan side in 2017 will increase Kazakhstan’s cooperation with Pakistan. Great perspectives lie in the field of military cooperation and countering terrorism.
