Pakistan to confer Nishan-e-Pakistan on presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

President Asif Ali Zardari will confer the Nishan-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian award, on the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during their official visits to the country. The award, given for services of the highest distinction to Pakistan, is often conferred on visiting Heads of State as a symbol of friendship and respect, reflecting strong bilateral relations.

Investiture ceremonies will be held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, where President Zardari will formally present the decorations to the visiting dignitaries. In addition, state banquets will be hosted in their honour, attended by members of the federal cabinet, parliament, diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

On Tuesday, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly received President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev upon his arrival at Nur Khan Airbase for his first state visit to Pakistan from 3–4 February 2026. President Tokayev was accompanied by a high-level delegation including senior cabinet ministers and other officials. Children dressed in traditional attire and carrying the national flags of both countries greeted the Kazakh president.

During his visit, President Tokayev is expected to hold talks with the president and prime minister, address the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum, and engage in discussions aimed at broadening cooperation in trade, logistics, regional connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. Both sides also plan to explore collaboration at regional and international forums.

The visits of the Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the strengthening bonds between Pakistan and Central Asian nations, highlighting their shared commitment to transforming historic and cultural affinities into robust cooperation and advancing peace and progress in the region.