Pakistan- Azerbaijan Relations
Pakistan and Azerbaijan share strong historic, cultural and religious affinities. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 9 June 1992.
The two sides exchange regular high-level visits. In recent years, these exchanges have included a state visit by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Islamabad in July 2024, as well as multiple visits by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to Azerbaijan (including June 2023, November 2024 and February 2025). The Prime Minister also visited Azerbaijan in 2025 for the Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Pakistan Trilateral Summit and the ECO Summit.
During the July 2024 state visit, the two sides concluded a package of bilateral instruments to deepen cooperation across political, economic and sectoral domains. These included (inter alia) an Agreement on Preferential Trade and an Agreement on Transit Trade, alongside additional agreements and MoUs in areas such as customs cooperation, plant quarantine, tourism, education, climate cooperation, maritime affairs, legal cooperation, and other disciplines of mutual interest.
Institutional mechanisms between Pakistan and Azerbaijan include Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and the Joint Ministerial Commission / Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JMC/JIC). The 4th round of BPC was held in Islamabad on 23 January 2025. The 8th Session of the Pakistan–Azerbaijan Joint Ministerial Commission was held in Islamabad from 23-24 January 2025.
According to Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan’s export from Azerbaijan were US$ 5.05 million in FY 2024–25, while Pakistan’s import payments to Azerbaijan were US$ 1.09 million in FY 2024–25.
Connectivity and people-to-people linkages between Pakistan and Azerbaijan have expanded, including through direct air connectivity. In 2025, approximately 90,000 Pakistani tourists visited Azerbaijan.
Pakistan-Kazakhstan Relation
Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan in December 1991. Diplomatic relations were established 24 February 1992. The two countries have been enjoying cordial relations based on trust, mutual respect, and goodwill.
High-level interaction has gained particular momentum through major visits and structured bilateral engagement. On 4 February 2026, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Pakistan and held talks with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders described the visit as a historic milestone, noted the growing effectiveness of institutional mechanisms, and agreed to elevate bilateral cooperation—particularly in trade, investment, defence, and people-to-people domains. They also agreed to work towards raising bilateral trade to US$ 1 billion in the next two years
The two sides have established structured mechanisms for engagement which include Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and the Intergovernmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation, alongside business-to-business facilitation platforms. The 3rd round of political consultations between the two Foreign Ministries was held in Islamabad on 19 November 2024.
The Kazakhstan–Pakistan Intergovernmental Commission has held thirteen sessions, with the most recent session held on 14 April 2025 in Islamabad.
According to Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan’s export receipts from Kazakhstan were US$ 250.7 million in FY 2024–25. Pakistan’s import payments to Kazakhstan were US$ 1.12 million in FY 2024–25.
Connectivity and transport linkages are becoming central to the relationship. During the visit of Kazakh President to Pakistan in February 2026, the leaders emphasized enhanced regional connectivity and transport cooperation (road, rail, air and maritime), including transit trade arrangements and regional corridors. Pakistan and Kazakhstan have linked their strategic partnership agenda with regional rail connectivity initiatives, including Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway concept.
Pakistan-Turkmenistan Relations
Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoy cordial relations, based on mutual respect and a shared emphasis on expanding regional connectivity and energy cooperation. Formal diplomatic relations have been in place since 10 May 1992. Pakistan has also been described as among the first countries to recognise Turkmenistan’s independence.
There have been regular high-level interactions, including ministerial and leadership-level engagements focused on bilateral cooperation and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan on 11-12 December 2025. During the visit he held a meeting with the President of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat on 12 December 2025. The two sides discussed the matters of bilateral interests including cooperation in energy sector, the associated high-voltage power transmission line, and the fibre-optic communications line along the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route.
Institutional mechanisms include bilateral political consultations and the Joint Intergovernmental Commission framework, which remains the principal platform for advancing cooperation in trade, economy, and connectivity-linked sectors.
On 25 August 2025, bilateral political consultations were held between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Pakistan, reviewing bilateral cooperation across political-diplomatic, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian fields.
According to Federal Board of Revenue, Pakistan’s export receipts from Turkmenistan were US$ 1.96 million in FY 2024–25, while Pakistan’s import payments to Turkmenistan were US$ 2.79 million in FY 2024–25.
Pakistan-Kyrgyz Republic Relations
Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked Central Asian State with mountainous terrain. Pakistan established its diplomatic relations with the Kyrgyz Republic in 1992 and opened Embassy in Bishkek in 1995. Both are regional neighbors and members of important international organizations i.e. UN, ECO, OIC, NAM, G-77, etc.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov undertook a state visit to Pakistan from 03-04 December 2025. During the visit, 16 MoUs/Agreements were signed. A “Joint Declaration between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic on Strengthening of Comprehensive Cooperation in the Interest of Both Countries” was also signed during the visit. A business forum was also held on the sidelines of the visit.
Two Institutional mechanisms exist between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. These mechanisms set the direction for cooperation in different areas including Agriculture, Commerce, Communication, Defence, Education, Science and technology, energy, and investment.
Fifth Session of IGC was held in Islamabad on 28-29 July 2025. Mr. Edil Baisalov, Deputy Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet and Minister for Energy (Power) from Pakistan co-chaired the IGC.
So far, two rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) have been held in January 2018 and August, 2022.
According to FBR, the volume of bilateral trade in FY 2024-25 was US$ 5.18 million US$ of which US$ 4.85 million were Pakistani exports and US$ 0.33 million were imports.
Pakistan-Tajikistan Relations
Tajikistan, located in Central Asia, shares borders with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with Tajikistan since its independence in 1991. Bilateral relations, established on 6th June 1992, are based on common history, culture and faith.
At the invitation of the Tajik Prime Minister, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited Tajikistan on 29-30 May 2025 to participate in the High-Level International Conference of Glaciers’ Preservation held in Dushanbe on 29-31 May 2025.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited Tajikistan on bilateral visit on 2-3 July 2024. Tajik President last visited Pakistan on 14-15 December 2022.
Pakistan and Tajikistan have established following mechanisms:
6th Session of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Tajikistan was held on 29 September 2025 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. During the session, both sides discussed cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest.
Seven sessions have been held, the most recent in Islamabad in December 2024, covering diverse sectors including trade, energy, education, health, and agriculture.
Bilateral trade stood at US$ 29 Million in the fiscal year 2024-2025 which includes US$ 26 Million exports and US$ 3.16 Million imports.
Pakistan-Uzbekistan Relations
Uzbekistan is the geographical centre and most populous country of Central Asia. Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with Uzbekistan. The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 10 May 1992. The two countries share historic, religious, and cultural bonds.
The high level interactions have steadily increased in recent past. President Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Pakistan from 05-06 February 2026 and held detailed discussions with the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan. During the visit 27 Agreements/MoUs including a Joint Declaration was issued.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Uzbekistan on 25-26 February 2025 where 10 MoUs/Agreements were signed.
The two countries have established
First round of High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held on 05 February 2026 in Islamabad.
Four rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations have been held, so far. Fourth round was held on 31 January 2026 in Islamabad.
10th session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Inter-Governmental Commission was held on 03 February 2026.
The 7th Military Staff Talks were held on 9-11 October 2025 in Tashkent.
Pakistan-Uzbekistan trade currently stands at US$ 111 million with Pakistan’s exports at US$ 91.47 million and imports of US$ 20.15 million.
Connectivity Agreements/Projects between Pakistan and Central Asia
Connectivity with Central Asia and the wider region remains a key strategic objective, with emphasis on transit corridors linking Central Asia to Pakistan’s seaports and on energy and infrastructure corridors connecting South and Central Asia. This agenda has been repeatedly highlighted in high-level engagements.
Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA)
Pakistan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan signed the Quadrilateral Traffic and Transit Agreement (QTTA) on 09 March 1995. It is a transit trade deal between China, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan for facilitating transit traffic and trade. It provides an effective connectivity network between Central Asia and Gwadar port of Pakistan in the Arabian Sea. Government of Pakistan is the repository state of Quadrilateral Agreement. The Agreement is in operation and a number of permits have been issued to the Pakistani transport companies under the agreement.
CASA-1000
CASA-1000 is envisaged as a Joint Venture between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The total estimated cost of the project is US$ 1.2 billion. It envisages the transportation of surplus electric power from Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to Pakistan (1000 MW) and Afghanistan (300 MW) respectively during summer months (May to September) and under open access provision for the remaining period as the CASA System is capable for reverse flow of energy. Currently, the CASA-1000 Power Project in Pakistan is at advance stage of completion.
Trans-Afghan Railway Project
Trans-Afghan Railway Project is a multi-billion-dollar railway project which would facilitate Uzbekistan’s trade via Pakistani seaports and Pakistan’s trade with Central Asia and beyond. The Project envisions a 760 km long railway line that will connect Termez in Uzbekistan with Pakistani seaports via Afghanistan. The proposed railway line would reduce travel time by an estimated 30% as compared to road transportation. Route of the Railway project was agreed in July 2023. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed Framework Agreement for Joint Feasibility Study of the Project in July 2025. Currently, negotiations are taking place between Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan to finalize the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for hiring the consultant for the Joint Feasibility Study..
The Trans-Afghan rail connectivity agenda has advanced with inclusion of Kazakhstan–Turkmenistan-Afghanistan–Pakistan railway line along with the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) railway corridor.
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan- Pakistan- India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan- Pakistan- India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline Project aims to bring natural gas from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan into Pakistan and India through Afghanistan. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline Project (TAPI Project) is a part of the energy security plan of the Government of Pakistan.
The TAPI gas pipeline is designed to transport up to 33 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas annually over a 30-year period through an approximately 1,814-kilometre corridor.
The project cost is US$ 10 billion based on feasibility study. Pakistan and Turkmenistan signed Joint Implementation Plan (JIP) on 8th June 2023.
Pakistan–Turkmenistan engagement on TAPI remains active. In July 2024, the two Foreign Ministers (as co-chairs of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission) discussed TAPI implementation.
In December 2025, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Turkmenistan President underlined the regional significance of advancing TAPI and associated infrastructure corridors during their meeting in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) Power Transmission Project
The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan electricity interconnection agenda includes high-voltage transmission infrastructure intended to strengthen power trade between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan, including a 500 kV transmission line.
During recent bilateral and political consultations, TAP route has been underscored as a combined energy and connectivity corridor. In July 2024, Pakistan and Turkmenistan discussed the laying of power lines and fibre-optic communications along the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan route.
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