Kazakh Envoy Visits Islamabad High Court Bar to Boost Legal Ties

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.