ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has a strategy to grow sustainably by 5pc in the next two decades. For 1pc of growth in the gross domestic product (GDP), Pakistan needs at least 2pc of it in the energy sector as well and this will not be possible unless the country taps into energies latent in Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan.

This was stated by Minister of State (Petroleum Division) Mussadik Malik while speaking at a diplomatic reception held to celebrate the national day of Kazakhstan.

“The prime minister, in his recent visit to Kazakhstan, resolved to change that and make sure that our bilateral trade, strategic relationship, our connectivity is commensurate with the deep relations, the two countries enjoy,” the minister said.

Guests included officials of the Pakistani government, both houses of Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors and military attaches of foreign countries as well as representatives of the Kazakhstan diaspora, and representatives of the Pakistani business community. Food, especially Kazakhstani delicacies, brought people together.

Mr Malik said: “If we look at petroleum products, coal, metals and minerals produced by Kazakhstan and the fourth largest reserve of gas, it becomes obvious that the collective gateway to success is our connectivity. I also see growth and prosperity opening up for the entire region.”

The minister, having greeted all guests, emphasised on the importance of relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan highlighting the special importance of inter-regional transit development and transport infrastructure, the need for its diversification and expansion of Kazakhstan-Pakistan trade and economic ties.

In his welcome speech, Kazakh Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin noted the importance of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and spoke about history and the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev’s initiatives.

Yerzhan Kistafin believed that it was time to transform dialogue into something tangible and strengthen bilateral trade and people to people cultural ties.

“We have so many things in common to unite the two nations. Our president met with the prime minister of Pakistan twice, and both leaders showed interest in bringing the two nations closer to each other. We will be witnessing growth and progress in the coming years,” the ambassador said.

The Rotary Club of Islamabad hosted a charity exhibition of paintings by children with special needs.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2022