Islamabad, Clear Skies Magazine: First Ever Declaration of Pakistan-Kazakhstan National Court Bars as Sister Bars
On 3rd February 2026, His Excellency Honourable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid an official state visit to Pakistan, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation. The visit resulted in the signing of several key agreements aimed at enhancing economic, legal, cultural, and strategic ties, further strengthening the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
His Excellency Honourable Myrzagarayev Madi, Chairman of the National Bar Association of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was also part of the official delegation, contributing his expertise and representing the Kazakh legal fraternity during the visit. The purpose of his visit was to strengthen bilateral legal cooperation by facilitating mutual legal assistance and support for citizens and business communities of both countries. Furthermore, this visit aims to strengthen mutual legal support for the business communities and citizens of both countries by formally declaring the National Bar Association of Kazakhstan and the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan as Sister Bars. This official engagement is intended to promote trust and confidence, enhance professional collaboration, and establish enduring institutional ties between the legal fraternities of Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Visit to Supreme Court Bar Association
On the first day of his visit, His Excellency visited the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, where he was warmly received by the Honourable President, Mr. Haroon-ur-Rasheed, along with members of his cabinet. The President escorted the distinguished guest to the Museum of the Supreme Court Bar Association, followed by a meeting in the conference room.
During discussions with the President and Cabinet members, Mr. Myrzagarayev Madi elaborated on the significance and outcomes of declaring the Bars of both nations as “Sister Bars.” The dialogue emphasized institutional cooperation, professional exchange, and enhanced coordination between legal communities. At the conclusion of the session, shields and commemorative gifts were exchanged between representatives of both countries as a gesture of goodwill. A lunch was graciously hosted in honor of Mr. Myrzagarayev Madi, featuring a rich selection of traditional Pakistani local cuisines, offering a warm display of hospitality and cultural heritage.
Visit to Islamabad High Court Bar Association
Subsequently, His Excellency visited the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, where he was welcomed by the General Secretary, Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Jajja. In a meeting with cabinet members of the Association, legal representatives from both nations engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at understanding each other’s legal systems and exploring avenues for cooperation.
Meeting with the State Minister for Law
His Excellency also held a meeting with the State Minister for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik. The Minister warmly welcomed the Chairman and acknowledged that such initiatives would be mutually beneficial for both nations. He expressed the Government of Pakistan’s readiness to facilitate such collaborative efforts and conveyed willingness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan and the Ministry of Law of Kazakhstan in the future.
During the meeting, His Excellency extended a formal invitation to the State Minister to visit Kazakhstan, which was graciously accepted. The meeting concluded with the exchange of shields and gifts.
Meeting with Senior Advocate Mr. Babar Awan (Former Law Minister)
Senior Advocate Mr. Babar Awan also met with His Excellency to discuss the constitutional and legal frameworks of both countries. Given Kazakhstan’s intention to introduce constitutional modifications, Mr. Babar Awan offered his professional expertise and support in assisting with constitutional reforms, further strengthening bilateral legal cooperation.
Visit to the Institute for Dispute Resolution
His Excellency later visited the Institute for Dispute Resolution, where he was welcomed by Mr. Adil Qazi. Discussions focused on the growing importance of mediation within Pakistan’s legal system and the potential incorporation and development of mediation mechanisms within Kazakhstan’s legal framework. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening justice systems through enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms. Mr. Adil Qazi stated that declaring the Court Bars as Sister Bars is a remarkable initiative, benefiting not only the legal fraternity but also strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
MoU Signing Ceremony
On the second day of the visit, a formal MoU signing ceremony was held at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. His Excellency Mr. Myrzagarayev Madi, along with President Supreme Court Bar Association Mr. Haroon Ur Rashid and legal leadership from both countries, attended the ceremony. Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Focal Person Pak-Kazakh Legal Diplomacy, was also among the distinguished participants.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by representatives of both nations, marking a significant milestone in bilateral legal cooperation. This historic agreement formally declared the Bars of Pakistan and Kazakhstan as “Sister Bars,” representing one of the first international legal collaborations of its kind between national bar associations. The agreement stands as a testament to the shared commitment of both nations to deepen professional ties and promote mutual legal assistance at an institutional level.
Mr. Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Focal Person Pak-Kazakh Legal Diplomacy, also addressed the gathering and expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Myrzagarayev Madi for visiting Pakistan. He described the occasion as one of the most significant achievements he had witnessed in fostering international legal cooperation.
He also extended special thanks to Honourable Ambassador of Kazakhstan for his excellent arrangements and dedicated coordination, which ensured the success of the visit. Concluding his remarks, Mr. Shah reaffirmed that the legal fraternity of Pakistan and Kazakhstan remains fully committed to strengthening and expanding mutual relations particularly in the field of law and justice. He commended the efforts of the Honorable Ambassador, stating that through his support, the first-ever declaration of sister bars has been achieved, marking a significant milestone in the history of both countries.
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the President of the Supreme Court Bar, Mr. Haroon ur Rashid, for his unwavering support and dedicated efforts throughout the visit, which greatly contributed to its success.
He further said that “This MoU represents a progressive step toward international legal integration. By establishing formal cooperation with the National Bar Association of Kazakhstan, we are creating opportunities for joint seminars, professional training, academic exchanges, and collaborative legal research. This initiative will significantly contribute to strengthening global legal harmony and professional solidarity.”
Mr. Haroon-ur-Rasheed in his address said that “Today marks the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the legal communities of Pakistan and Kazakhstan. By declaring our Bars as Sister Bars, we are not only strengthening institutional cooperation but also reaffirming our shared commitment to justice, rule of law, and professional excellence. This initiative will open new avenues for collaboration, mutual learning, and enduring friendship.”
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, while addressing the Media, stated that “Today’s milestone reflects the deepening friendship between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. Legal cooperation forms the backbone of economic growth, investment confidence, and diplomatic trust. This Sister Bar agreement will serve as a strong pillar in further strengthening bilateral relations between our two brotherly nations.”
In his keynote remarks, His Excellency Mr. Myrzagarayev Madi stated that “This agreement is more than a formal document; it is a bridge between our legal communities. Kazakhstan and Pakistan share common values rooted in justice, sovereignty, and respect for the rule of law. Through this partnership, we aim to promote professional exchange, support our citizens and business communities, and build a long-lasting institutional relationship based on trust and mutual respect.”
In his concluding remarks, he expressed his sincere appreciation to all the legal representatives from the Pakistani side for their valuable contributions and support. He further conveyed his optimism that this growing partnership would not only flourish within the legal sphere but would also expand into other sectors, strengthening bilateral cooperation on a broader scale.
The ceremony concluded with the exchange of commemorative shields and gifts, symbolizing goodwill, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to advancing justice and cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.