Contemporary Eurasia is undergoing a period of uncertainty: alliances are shifting, trade chains are being disrupted, and pressure from economic and technological transformations is intensifying. Against this backdrop, the deepening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan is shaping a restrained yet compelling alternative narrative. Rather than turning inward amid instability, both countries are betting on the creation of new networks of dialogue and interaction that link regions long perceived as fragmented. Their partnership demonstrates that Eurasia’s future may be shaped not by the ambitions of major powers, but by the deliberate cooperation of states that have managed to unite their comparative advantages.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan are developing new formats of connectivity and partnership, fostering hope for the emergence of an alternative order in a region torn by geopolitical tensions and fragmented supply chains. The synergy between these two developing middle powers demonstrates their potential to jointly strengthen stability and autonomy through economic, technological, and defense cooperation. This strategy is neither situational nor transactional; it reflects the logic of complex interdependence, in which multiple channels of cooperation create a web of mutual benefits that promotes long-term coordination and reduces the likelihood of conflict.
The functionalist approach, which asserts that cooperation in technical and economic spheres inevitably spreads to political and strategic dimensions, is clearly illustrated by Kazakhstan’s role in the Eurasian transport architecture. The development of the Middle Corridor creates mutual opportunities: Pakistan gains more efficient access to European and Central Asian markets, reducing its dependence on geopolitically vulnerable routes, while Kazakhstan strengthens its status as a key logistics hub. Beyond increased trade turnover, transport connectivity fosters common regulatory frameworks, institutional linkages, and joint planning, all of which enhance trust between the states. From the perspective of liberal institutionalism, the establishment of a reliable South-Central Asian transport route aims to reduce transaction costs, strengthen strategic autonomy, and increase the predictability of international interactions.
The digitalization of the global world adds yet another dimension to regional convergence.
In an era of rapid technological progress, information technologies permeate all spheres of life. Under their influence, the ways of doing business, communication, education, and even governance are changing. It is precisely IT technologies, as the foundation of innovative solutions, that constitute a competitive advantage in today’s global market.
Kazakhstan, at the forefront of the digital transition, is rapidly developing its IT sector, making it one of the drivers of economic growth. Software, government technologies (GovTech), and digital solutions produced in Kazakhstan not only digitize domestic processes but also offer effective products to the global community, reaching international markets through exports.
Having gained strategic significance, the export of IT services has turned the country into a regional technology hub and a digital leader in Central Asia. As a result, bringing technological products beyond the national market strengthens Kazakhstan’s position on the global stage and opens new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with both other countries and international companies.
Astana is rapidly developing information technologies, which are gradually permeating all sectors of the state and the economy. The market for IT services and products in the country is growing exponentially–averaging 35% annually for the seventh consecutive year. Notably, Kazakhstan ranks among the global leaders in e-government and fintech development.
The significant level of information technology development in Kazakhstan is confirmed by widely recognized international rankings. According to the UN “United Nations E-Government Survey: E-Government for the People 2024,” the country ranks 24th in the world in terms of e-government development, up four positions compared to the previous report in 2022. Ahead of all CIS countries, China, and developed nations such as Switzerland, France, and Canada, Kazakhstan is classified among countries with a very high e-government development index.
In addition, alongside global leaders in information technology such as South Korea, Denmark, and Estonia, the country ranks among the top ten in the OSI index, which reflects the scope and quality of online services.
Here are a couple more ranking indicators that demonstrate the level of IT sector development in Kazakhstan:
Having moved up 23 positions to 41st place, Kazakhstan has strengthened its standing in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII). The ranking notes that, through consistent investment in digital infrastructure and the implementation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, the country has significantly accelerated its digital transformation. It also concludes that these changes have fundamentally transformed the management and delivery of public services, making them more transparent and user-friendly.
In the context of global digitalization, supplying information technologies to international markets allows countries to attract investment and create new jobs. For Kazakhstan, the development of IT service exports is part of a digital transformation strategy aimed at diversifying the economy.
Products developed by Kazakhstani developers are delivered to 86 countries worldwide.
The IT sector in Kazakhstan is developing thanks to government support and the digitalization of public services. The government actively promotes the development of new products and the expansion of infrastructure.
One of the support measures is the creation of special incubators, zones, and programs. Among the largest are the Astana International Financial Centre, which follows the principles, norms, and precedents of English law, and the Astana Hub technology park.
To date, more than a thousand IT companies are registered at the technology park, one-third of which have foreign participation. Residents receive comprehensive support, including business development and scaling programs, tax and visa incentives, informational and educational support, and access to physical infrastructure.
Astana IT University also plays a significant role in the development of Kazakhstan’s IT sector. The university’s modern curricula have made it a center for technological education and innovation, graduating over a thousand highly qualified specialists each year.
It is also worth mentioning support measures aimed at developing long-term partnerships with international technology companies, including industry giants such as Microsoft, IBM, and Google.
Another achievement of Kazakhstan’s IT sector is the Digital Bridge forum, which brings together leaders of the international IT community, Kazakhstani and foreign technology experts, IT companies, startups, and venture investors. In 2025, the forum, dedicated to artificial intelligence, hosted over 30,000 participants from 30 countries, representatives of more than 300 IT companies, over 100 investors, and 400 speakers.
The main goal of government technologies is to digitize processes and services to make them easily accessible. While many countries are only beginning to develop this area, in Kazakhstan digital public services have long been perceived as an everyday reality.
The flagship of Kazakhstan’s GovTech is the eGov platform, a clear example of how information technologies can make accessing public services simpler and faster.
Through eGov.kz, citizens can access nearly all government services–from vehicle registration and scheduling doctor’s appointments to obtaining criminal record certificates and applying for social benefits. This has eliminated the need for Kazakhstani citizens to stand in long queues and spend time visiting various government offices.
A significant milestone in the development of GovTech in Kazakhstan was the launch of the eGov Mobile app. Today, every second Kazakhstani uses the app, which offers the same functions as the web version. Another key development was the implementation of biometric identification, which was especially helpful during the pandemic, allowing citizens to access government services from home while observing quarantine measures.
In addition, through the Digital Documents service, Kazakhstani citizens no longer need to carry physical documents. For added convenience, the service was later integrated into popular banking applications.
In July 2024, a new component of the mobile e-government ecosystem was introduced–the eGov Business app for entrepreneurs. Using this app, small and medium-sized business owners can access essential government services directly from their smartphones. The app allows users to sign documents, register or close businesses, obtain accreditations and licenses, and much more.
Kazakhstan’s model of e-government–one of the most advanced in the world–demonstrates how technology can enhance transparency, accountability, and the quality of interaction between the state and citizens. Adopting elements of this digital ecosystem is highly relevant for Pakistan in terms of human development and non-traditional security. Expanding digital inclusion can reduce social inequality and strengthen institutional capacity, especially in rural areas of the country.
In this context, technical cooperation between Astana and Islamabad serves as a factor for deeper socio-political stability in the region.
The concept of human security, which shifts the focus from military threats to the well-being of the population, is directly related to Pakistan–Kazakhstan cooperation in the field of food security. As one of the key agricultural suppliers to Asia and other regions, Kazakhstan is capable of providing Pakistan with grain, flour, and essential goods, thereby diversifying its imports and reducing vulnerability to market fluctuations and climate risks. This cooperation supports the liberal institutionalist argument that economic interdependence in critical sectors contributes to the development of stable political relations, reduces domestic tensions, and strengthens long-term trust.
Equally significant is the energy sector. The combination of Pakistan’s advanced civilian nuclear technologies and Kazakhstan’s abundant uranium resources creates opportunities for responsible and peaceful cooperation–from nuclear safety and radiation monitoring to the development of renewable energy sources. Joint participation in energy diversification reflects the principles of complex interdependence, whereby states prefer cooperation over confrontation because multilayered ties make conflict too costly. These efforts also align with international standards for decarbonization and climate governance.
Finally, the security aspect of Kazakhstan–Pakistan relations extend beyond a bilateral framework and takes on a regional dimension. Shared challenges–extremism, drug trafficking, and instability in Afghanistan–drive the development of overlapping mechanisms of collective security. The UN regional hub for Central Asia and Afghanistan, located in Kazakhstan, serves as an institutional platform for a multilateral approach to addressing these issues. Kazakhstan’s diplomatic neutrality and Pakistan’s practical influence create a model of cooperation in which the stabilization of Afghanistan is viewed as a common regional good, achieved through security standards, humanitarian mechanisms, and economic reintegration rather than solely through geopolitical calculations.
Ultimately, a new regional order is gradually emerging in Eurasia, based on connectivity, shared prosperity, and institutional cooperation rather than on power rivalry. The developing interaction between Kazakhstan and Pakistan forms a dense network of interdependence–spanning logistics, digital platforms, and food and energy security. This experience demonstrates that mid-sized states can influence regional stability not through confrontation but through practical integration. Their partnership serves as a rare example of a constructive strategy in a region often associated with uncertainty and sets a benchmark for a more inclusive and stable Eurasian future.
