Strengthening Legal Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Visits Islamabad High Court Bar Association

Strengthening Legal Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Visits Islamabad High Court Bar Association

Islamabad, May 20, 2025 – The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E. Yerzhan Kistafin, paid an official visit to the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA), marking a key step towards building stronger legal and professional ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

The Ambassador was warmly welcomed by President Mr. Wajid Gillani, Mr. Chaudhary Manzoor Ahmad Jajja Secretary, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah Chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Murtaza Khan Vice Chairman of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Fahad Chaudhary, Mr. Safeer Shah and Mr. Tajammal Hussain Latti Members of the International Relations Committee along with the full cabinet of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association.

In his welcome speech, President Mr. Wajid Gillani spoke about the brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural, historical, and religious ties that bind the two nations. He shared the vision and achievements of the IHCBA and expressed a strong desire to build international legal linkages, especially with legal institutions in Kazakhstan.

In a special address, Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, speaking as a sincere and longstanding friend of Kazakhstan, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin. He praised the Ambassador’s unwavering dedication to strengthening ties between the two nations, stating, “We have seen with our own eyes how tirelessly H.E. Yerzhan Kistafin has worked to promote genuine and lasting friendship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He is not just an ambassador in the traditional sense he is a true bridge between our nations. Among the many diplomats we have hosted, he stands out as one of the finest. His approach is rooted in sincerity, his efforts are consistent and passionate, and his love for Pakistan is evident in every initiative he undertakes.”

Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah then presented a visionary proposal titled the “Pakistan–Kazakhstan Legal Cooperation Initiative,” which received strong support from both sides. The key points of the proposal include:

• Sister Bar Initiative: Twinning the Islamabad High Court Bar Association with the Astana Bar Association.
• Joint Legal Activities: Launch of legal forums, exchange programs, moot court competitions, and academic linkages between law schools.
• Judicial Cooperation: Organizing visits by judges and lawyers, guest lectures, and joint legal research in areas such as constitutional law, trade law, and regional legal development.
• Legal Corners: Setting up Kazakh and Pakistani legal study sections in each other’s law libraries.
• Professional Development: Conducting legal training workshops, offering internships, and promoting legal technology and e-court systems.
• Emergency Legal Coordination Framework: A proposed mechanism to support citizens of both countries facing legal challenges abroad.
• Judicial and Bar Visits: Judiciary , Bar Associate and Legal Expert exchanges between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, including visits, lectures, and expert dialogue, can promote cooperation on reforms, backlog management, and constitutional law

This proposal was widely appreciated and seen as a major step toward long-term legal cooperation.

Ambassador Kistafin highlighted important recent developments that reflect the growing relationship between the two countries. He mentioned the historic visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, to Astana earlier this year, the successful 13th Session of the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission held in Islamabad, and the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Business Forum held in Karachi. He said these events show the commitment of both nations to work together in various fields.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, H.E. Yerzhan Kistafin , warmly praised the proposal presented by chairman International Relations committee Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah , describing it as a forward-looking and impactful initiative. He remarked:

Pakistan is a country full of promise it offers vast opportunities in business, trade, and investment. It truly is a remarkable nation. The proposal put forth by Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah is outstanding and reflects a clear vision for the future. Initiatives like these legal linkages are essential for building strong, lasting cooperation between our countries. I extend an open invitation to all of you to visit Astana, where we can move forward together in meaningful collaboration. Legal linkages, in particular, play a vital role in fostering mutual trust, promoting institutional harmony and laying the groundwork for friendly and enduring ties.

At the end of the meeting, Secretary Mr. Chaudhary Manzoor Ahmad Jajja gave the concluding remarks. He thanked the Ambassador and praised his sincere efforts to bring Pakistan and Kazakhstan closer. He assured the Ambassador of the Association’s full support in carrying forward this legal cooperation. Both sides agreed to begin online discussions between the Islamabad High Court Bar Association and the Astana Bar Association in the coming weeks to finalize the first phase of this cooperation.

This partnership is expected to add a strong legal foundation to the broader Pakistan–Kazakhstan relationship, moving beyond traditional diplomacy to areas like judicial reforms, legal education, and innovation. It reflects the shared vision of both countries to build a peaceful and just regional order through mutual respect, knowledge exchange, and professional solidarity.