URDU LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT STUDENTS MEET WITH PAKISTAN’S FEDERAL MINISTER FOR INVESTMENT

On 3 November 2026, representatives of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, at the invitation of Rizwana Qazi, Consul General of the Embassy of Pakistan, met with Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, Federal Minister for Investment of Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by Javed Iqbal, Director of the Media and Economic Research Centre, as well as representatives of the business and investment communities of Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

During the meeting, the participants held an extensive discussion on the current state and future prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, investment and educational spheres. Particular attention was given to the important agreements reached between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in 2026, the expansion of bilateral trade and economic ties, the strengthening of investment partnerships, and the implementation of joint initiatives.

In her remarks, Consul Rizwana Qazi highlighted the importance of the traditionally friendly relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan and emphasised the need to further strengthen cooperation in the diplomatic, cultural and educational spheres. She also underscored the significant role of academic exchanges between higher education institutions and young people in fostering humanitarian ties between the two countries.

In turn, Dr Shynar Erlankyzy Kanafiyeva, Deputy Dean for Social and Educational Affairs of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, spoke about the potential for scientific and educational cooperation between the two countries. She outlined the work undertaken at KazNU in teaching Urdu and developing academic ties with Pakistani higher education institutions. She also presented the university’s future plans, including the initiative to invite a professor from Pakistan to deliver lectures, as well as joint academic initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ language proficiency and professional training.

An important part of the meeting was the interaction with students of the Urdu Language Department at KazNU. The students were given an opportunity to introduce themselves in Urdu and demonstrate their language proficiency and communication skills. They also had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives of Pakistan and express their interest in the country's culture, history and society. Such meetings provide valuable opportunities for students to practise a foreign language, develop intercultural communication skills and establish future professional contacts.

Following the meeting, the participants expressed their interest in further strengthening multifaceted cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, promoting academic exchanges, and expanding business, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.

The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening cooperation between KazNU and Pakistan’s diplomatic, academic and business communities, while further expanding the university’s international partnerships.