Kazakh Envoy Calls for Stronger Ties, Cultural Exchange with CDA

ISLAMABAD – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E. Yerzhan Kistafin, met with Mr. Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and Director General Civil Defence, at CDA Headquarters to discuss avenues for deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, particularly in urban development, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The meeting was attended by senior CDA officials including Member Administration and Member Estate. Discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, focusing on mutual interests such as the enhancement and beautification of Islamabad, economic collaboration, tourism promotion, and cultural ties.

Ambassador Kistafin lauded CDA’s initiatives in maintaining Islamabad’s development and natural beauty and expressed Kazakhstan’s desire to expand cooperation in infrastructure, trade, tourism, and city planning. He proposed a symbolic cultural gesture—naming a road in Astana (Kazakhstan’s capital) after Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and, reciprocally, naming a road in Islamabad after Kazakhstan’s national poet, Abai Qunanbauly. The unveiling of the renamed streets is expected during the upcoming visit of Kazakhstan’s President to Pakistan later this year.

Mr. Randhawa reaffirmed the strong relationship between Islamabad and Astana, citing a sister city agreement signed in 2004. He briefed the ambassador on Islamabad’s ongoing development initiatives, including the establishment of a modern slaughterhouse, a Business Facilitation Center to streamline investor services, and a state-of-the-art football stadium to promote youth engagement and healthy activities.

Further discussions included collaboration in hosting an industrial exhibition in Islamabad this October and strengthening institutional coordination between CDA and the Kazakhstan Embassy through designated focal persons.

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Chairman Randhawa emphasized the importance Pakistan places on its brotherly ties with Kazakhstan and highlighted CDA’s efforts to enhance tourism and livability in Islamabad. These include green transport initiatives, cable car projects, revitalized parks, food streets, and plans for an adventure and theme park.

Both sides expressed their shared commitment to fostering long-term cooperation. Ambassador Kistafin extended an invitation to Chairman Randhawa for an official visit to Astana for bilateral meetings with city officials and potential stakeholders to further explore opportunities for mutual development.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of souvenirs as a token of goodwill.