DND Report
Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Tokayev while addressing bilateral agreements signing ceremony in Islamabad said that Pakistan and Kazakhstan plan to connect trade and transport through 4,256 kilometers long Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) through Afghanistan.
TITR that is also known as the Middle Corridor, is a significant trade route connecting Southeast Asia and China to Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Pakistan does not come on this route unless trade goes through either from Iran or Afghanistan while Iran is under US sanctions, so the next option is Afghanistan to whom Pakistan had halted all kind of trade since last year due to trans-border terrorism emitting from Afghanistan to Pakistan.
Pakistan has another option that is longer via China and proposed Pakistan-Kazakhstan and Pakistan-Uzbekistan railways projects are not possible without linking either through Iran or Afghanistan. Since President Qasym-Jomart Tokayev talked about linking Pakistan with TITR, there are possibilities that behind door negotiations are underway by with Afghanistan to resume trade and transport. In recent years, the TITR has gained importance as it provides an alternative to traditional routes, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting Russia, leading to an increase in traffic along this corridor. Additionally, it is an integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe.
Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Pakistan on a 2-day visit on Tuesday. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed him at Nur Khan Airbase. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, members of the federal cabinet and senior officials were also present to welcome the Kazakh President. The Kazakh President exchanged pleasantries with the President and the Prime Minister on this occasion. Children holding the flags of both countries welcomed the distinguished guests, and Qasym-Jomart Tokayev waved and responded to the children present to welcome him. The Kazakh President was also given a 21-gun salute. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. He will also address the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum. The visit will provide an important opportunity for the two countries to comprehensively review bilateral relations, consider new opportunities for cooperation, especially in trade, logistics, regional coordination, promotion of people-to-people contacts and explore the possibilities of cooperation at regional and international forums. The visit of the Kazakh President reflects the strengthening relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, highlights the mutual determination to transform historical and cultural closeness into effective practical cooperation, and represents the shared desire of both countries for peace and development in the region. The visit will provide the two sides an important and timely opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, discuss new avenues for broadening cooperation, particularly in trade, logistics, regional connectivity, people-to-people contacts, and explore collaboration at regional and international forums.
