ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered Kazakhstan its three major seaports for cargo transit, paving the way for joint ventures in coastal free zones to maximise regional maritime links and bilateral shipping cooperation.

The initiative will grant Kazakhstan and other Central Asian Republics (CARs) access to premium Pakistani port infrastructure across Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar. These shipping terminals are uniquely positioned to serve as vital transit hubs, opening up direct maritime trade corridors to global markets.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin met with Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Wednesday to discuss expanding bilateral trade via Pakistani ports.

“Pakistani seaports can act as transit hubs for Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region, offering access to markets in the Persian Gulf, Africa and Southeast Asia,” the minister said.

Mr Chaudhry said Pakistan was keen to enhance engagement with Kazakhstan in ports, shipping, trade facilitation and regional connectivity.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026