Zubair Qureshi
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr Yerzhan Kistafin on Wednesday hosted a reception that had all the necessary ingredients of a national day event—speeches, dinner, exhibition of traditional attire of Kazakhstan and above all a fashion show and musical performance. The event was the Republic Day of Kazakhstan and a large number of the Kazakhstan nationals, citizens of the Central Asian states and Ambassador’s Pakistani friends attended the event and enjoyed the evening.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Communications, Railway and Maritime Affairs Shahid Ashraf Tarar was the guest of honour on the occasion while a large number of notable personalities, Ministers Dr Nadeem Jan, Khalil George, Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, parliamentarians, diplomats, senior officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of civil society, serving and retired officers of the armed forces attended the colourful festival-cum-reception and greeted Ambassador Yerzhan on the auspicious day of his country.
While addressing as Chief Guest, Shahid Ashraf Tarar congratulated Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin, his government, and fellow countrymen on their Republic Day.
He said Pakistan valued its relations with Kazakhstan and looks forward to further promoting and strengthening these relations in diverse sectors such as energy, tourism, connectivity and industry.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan can cooperate in diverse sectors and there lies huge potential between the two countries in industry, agricultural, mechanical engineering, military-industrial complex, transport and logistics industry and we look forward to exploring these areas with Kazakhstan, he said.
Addressing the event, the Kazakhstan envoy said three decades ago, Kazakhstan gained independence and Pakistan was among the first countries that recognized Kazakhstan as a sovereign state. Ambassador Kistafin emphasized Kazakhstan’s eagerness to strengthen its relations with Pakistan.
He said Kazakhstan, a significant Central Asian nation, has made remarkable progress in achieving its targets bringing prosperity to the people and stability to the economy. These achievements are the result of the determined efforts made by the leadership and the people of Kazakhstan to secure their independence and establish a unique identity.
Ambassador Kistafin in welcome address said Kazakhstan highly valued relations with Pakistan. Last year, the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries was celebrated as an historic occasion.
About the Fashion Show and an Exhibition of Crafts, Ambassador Kistafin noted that the reception provided a suitable platform for these talented artists to showcase their work, an integral part of their activities and social responsibility.
