Recently, Kyrgyzstan has undertaken a large diplomatic and infrastructural undertaking to position itself in Central Asia and beyond, specifically to strengthen relations with Pakistan with a focus on trade, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.
Building Bridges: The Kyrgyz-Pakistani Partnership
Since Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan do not share a direct border, they are implementing significant geographical adjustments to strengthen their ties. The most significant change is the increased focus on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway corridor. Connecting Central Asia with the Pakistani port of Karachi (and eventually the Arabian Sea) will help develop better and faster trade routes. The dream of connecting the CKU railway with the Trans-Afghan railway is part of these discussions. Kyrgyz officials, including First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov, visited Karachi to assess port infrastructure and hold talks with the Karachi Port Trust. These efforts underscore Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to diversifying its trade routes and reducing dependence on traditional transit countries.
Energy Collaboration: The CASA-1000 Project
Energy cooperation is one of Kyrgyzstan’s key strategic themes. The CASA-1000 project is ambitious in nature, creating transmission lines to export green electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan and Afghanistan, with a project cost of over $1.2 million, supported by the help of partners in the world’s financial institutions, including the World Bank.
It is expected that when the CASA-1000 project is completed, the energy landscape of the region will be much enhanced. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be able to export up to 5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity a year, covering about 5% of Pakistan’s consumption in one year. Importantly, this energy cooperation also creates new energy interrelations, brought forth by greater cooperation on energy issues and the commitment to bilateral relations and a sustainable energy future for the region.
Trade Progress: Aiming for $500 Million in Bilateral Trade
Trade between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan appears favourable, as bilateral trade has reached approximately $7.7 million in the first five-month period of 2025. Although that figure is down over the same period of the previous year, there is said to be some enthusiasm about further activity by both countries. The countries have begun working to increase mutual trade to $500 million in future years and are focusing on three areas: investment, halal trade and harmonisation of standards.
Kyrgyzstan is working to establish direct and joint business linkages as new possibilities to support economic diversification and regional integration. The proposals are intended to develop more opportunities to achieve economic vigour and connectivity between the countries.
Regional Connectivity: Building Possibilities
For much of Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing strategic work, bilateral linkages are not the only aspect of their efforts in collaboration with Pakistan; they are working through larger regional forums and cooperation with all of its neighbouring states. The historical agreement on state borders signed with Tajikistan in April 2025 ushered in new relations and stability in the Fergana Valley, which has historically been full of tension and conflicts, and thus opportunities for cooperation through stability are emerging.
Kyrgyzstan’s high level of engagement with additional multilateral organisations, like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, reinforces an understanding of the importance of regional stability and multilateralism.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Kyrgyzstan’s strategic pivot to build connections with Pakistan, as well as further regional connectivity, is a promising articulation of diplomatic and development-driven engagement, which aligns well with Kyrgyzstan’s evolving context. Kyrgyzstan is maximising its ability to be a legitimate actor in the evolving geopolitical context of Central Asia by recognising possibilities for infrastructure and energy cooperation, as well as trade relationships in a network of partnerships.
As the country continues to build bridges—both real and metaphorical—it remains committed to fostering partnerships that contribute to regional growth, stability, and prosperity. The ongoing developments point toward an optimistic future for Kyrgyzstan as it wades through the complications of the global and regional order.
