Cultural and Humanitarian Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan continues to develop positively and constitutes an important component of bilateral relations. In recent years, cooperation has become more systematic, encompassing culture, education, science, arts, mass media, and humanitarian exchanges.

The state visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on February 3-4, 2026, provided significant impetus to the development of bilateral cooperation. During the visit, agreements were reached aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties and expanding direct cooperation between relevant institutions of the two countries.

Cooperation in the Field of Culture

An important milestone in establishing the legal and institutional framework for cooperation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation between the relevant authorities of the two countries in Astana in December 2023, during the 12th meeting of the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation.

Building on the agreements reached, the Action Plan for Cooperation in Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs for 2026–2027 was approved and signed on February 4, 2026. The document provides for the further intensification of bilateral cultural exchanges and the implementation of joint initiatives.

During the state visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation was also signed between the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory and the National Academy of Performing Arts of Pakistan. The document creates additional opportunities for developing creative partnerships, exchanging professional expertise, and implementing joint projects in music education and the arts.

One of the priority areas of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Pakistan is the promotion of Kazakh culture, national arts, and historical heritage.

At the end of 2023, Astana hosted a presentation of Abai Kunanbayuly's Book of Words, translated into Punjabi, Balochi, Sindhi, and Pashto, as well as the first Kazakh-English-Urdu phrasebook.

On April 22, 2024, the Embassy organized a presentation of these translations of Abai's work and the phrasebook at the National Library of Pakistan in Islamabad. The event contributed to introducing the Pakistani public to Kazakhstan's literary heritage and strengthening cultural and linguistic ties between the two nations.

The promotion of Kazakhstan's film industry also occupies an important place in cultural diplomacy. On January 31, 2024, the Embassy organized a screening in Islamabad of the historical film Kazakh Khanate: Diamond Sword, dubbed into Urdu. The event was attended by representatives of Pakistan's government, business and academic communities, as well as the media. The screening was accompanied by a photographic exhibition dedicated to modern Kazakhstan.

Following the event, an agreement was reached with the management of Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) to provide the film for television broadcasting. The film was subsequently delivered to the television network in an episodic format.

On May 24, 2024, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosted a screening of the second part of the historical film series, Kazakh Khanate: Golden Throne, in Urdu.

On June 28, 2024, during the working visit of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Lahore, an additional screening of Kazakh Khanate: Diamond Sword was organized for representatives of the government, business and academic communities of Punjab Province.

Cooperation in the field of music is also expanding. In March 2024, ahead of the Nauryz celebrations, Kazakh traditional instrumental compositions (kyuis) and musical works performed by the Kurmangazy Orchestra were broadcast for the first time on Radio Pakistan (FM 101).

Scientific, Educational and Academic Cooperation

Kazakhstan and Pakistan maintain cooperation in science and education both bilaterally and through international organizations, including the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS).

Higher education institutions and research organizations of both countries, including Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, play an important role in developing academic ties.

One of the significant joint events was the Al-Farabi Global Forum, an international scientific and practical conference held in Islamabad on December 21–22, 2020, dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the birth of the prominent scholar and philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi.

The event was held under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with the participation of the President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi.

On September 28–29, 2023, Professor Zhaksylyk Sabitov, Director of the Research Institute for the Study of the Jochi Ulus, visited Pakistan and conducted academic seminars on the history of Kazakhstan and historical ties between Central and South Asia. During the meetings, the participants discussed prospects for joint research into the historical heritage and shared cultural and civilizational connections of the peoples of the two regions.

During the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan in February 2026, the Embassy, in cooperation with the International Turkic Academy, prepared and published a collection of scholarly studies entitled The Turkic World and Pakistan, dedicated to the historical, cultural and civilizational ties between the Turkic world and South Asia.

This initiative aims to deepen academic dialogue, expand research cooperation, and promote shared historical and cultural heritage.

Cooperation in the Field of Information and Media

The development of cooperation between the mass media and relevant government institutions of Kazakhstan and Pakistan represents another promising area of bilateral relations.

In April 2025, during the 13th meeting of the Joint Kazakhstan–Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Cultural Cooperation, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Information was signed between the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The document established a legal and institutional framework for direct contacts between the relevant ministries, the exchange of information materials, and the development of cooperation between leading media organizations of the two countries.

As a practical continuation of these efforts, two cooperation agreements were signed on February 4, 2026, during the state visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan:

A Memorandum of Cooperation between Khabar Agency JSC and Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV);

A Memorandum of Cooperation between the Television and Radio Complex of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the national news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).

These agreements create opportunities to expand the exchange of news, analytical and audiovisual materials, implement joint media projects, strengthen professional contacts, and enhance public awareness and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Humanitarian Cooperation

Mutual humanitarian assistance has traditionally been an important component of Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations.

Kazakhstan has repeatedly provided assistance to Pakistan in response to natural disasters. In particular, following the devastating earthquake in 2005, Kazakhstan delivered 52 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Pakistan.

In 2010, the Government of Kazakhstan allocated USD 100,000 to assist those affected by severe flooding in Pakistan. The funds were transferred through the United Nations.

In February 2011, an aircraft of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations delivered an additional 41 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to Pakistan, including food and tents.

In turn, on May 14, 2020, the Government of Pakistan provided humanitarian assistance to Kazakhstan to support its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Such initiatives reflect the traditionally friendly nature of bilateral relations and the willingness of both countries to support each other in times of difficulty.

Prospects for Cooperation

At the current stage, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan is characterized by a transition from individual events and initiatives towards the establishment of sustainable mechanisms of cooperation among relevant government institutions, educational establishments, cultural organizations, and mass media.

The signing of a series of agreements during the state visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan in February 2026 created additional institutional foundations for the further development of bilateral relations.

In the coming years, priority efforts will focus on the practical implementation of the Action Plan for 2026–2027, expanding academic and cultural exchanges, organizing joint cultural events, promoting national historical and cultural heritage, and establishing systematic cooperation between leading media organizations of the two countries.

Overall, cultural and humanitarian cooperation continues to play an important role in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Pakistan, fostering a favorable atmosphere for bilateral engagement, and further advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.