Tazeen Akhtar / Astana / Kazakhstan
Attending the 32nd Assembly of People of Kazakhstan (APK) was a rare experience for a Pakistani journalist in which People from all faiths, races, colors, ethnicities and communities were present under one roof with complete harmony and mutual respect. Bigger than that was the resolve of the participants that they are from different and diversified back grounds, but their hearts are Kazakh only. That was the message they were sending to a world that is badly wounded by the disputes, petti disputes of religion and races and ethnicities. This is the soul of APK that is held everywhere in Astana, the capital city.
Kazakhstan is home of more than hundred ethnic groups where no incident of confrontation has ever happened on the basis of difference of religion or ethnicity so far. The credit goes to the people whose representatives meet every year in APK to renew their commitment to make a Just and Peaceful Kazakhstan. The vision given by the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who termed coexistence and interaction of different cultures as the most urgent challenge facing the modern world.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the participants of the 32nd assembly and awarded the notables who contributed extra ordinarily in their respective fields on April 27, 2023. He opened his heart in front of the leaders of all communities around the country and shared his vision to take the country to the destination where the people find themselves living in a most beneficial state for its public.
President Tokayev emphasized the importance of Kazakhstan’s independence and territorial integrity. Tokayev stressed that the APK had played a vital role in the country’s recent political modernization and national unity. Head of State suggested introducing the Order of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan “For Fruitful Work for the Name of Strengthening Unity of Nation.”
He said, “We should encourage the citizens who contribute to strengthening harmony and accord on our land.”
President proposed to introduce two awards of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan. The first one will be awarded for the best works in literature and journalism. The second prize will be awarded for the best works in culture and art.
The President expressed his determination that recognition at the state level of the citizens’ contribution to the preservation of peace and harmony in the country will give a powerful creative impetus to strengthening national unity. He said that we need to think about further improvement of the country’s heraldic symbols. It should be close and understandable to citizens, comply with the best world practices and reflect the unique identity of our people.
He instructed the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the National Security Committee to keep this matter under strict control and respond in line with the law in case of any violations. The President urged all citizens to resist the agenda of hate and not become involved in foreign information wars or ideological disputes.
APK is essential socio-political institution in embodying and implementing genuine democratic ideas and values. He noted that all conflicts and wars come from national arrogance, an unwillingness to see a friend in another ethnic group. President Tokayev emphasized that the country’s interests come first, and citizens’ interests should be at the core of everything. He stressed the need of preventing provocations aimed at undermining the country’s unity amid the rising number of fake and damaging publications. He said that many of the authors of such provocative remarks have nothing to do with Kazakhstan and are acting from abroad to sow seeds of discord.
President discussed his views on recent parliamentary elections. He noted, “Political reforms have created a new foundation for integrating all ethnic groups into a single nation. Past election campaigns were free of ethnic or other constrained preferences and archaic stereotypes. At the root of recent elections were general civic motivations for voting, reflecting genuine political competition and diverse views and ideas.
Kazakh leader said, “We make pivotal decisions together and build our shared future together. I am certain that such unity of purpose will be a significant driving force behind our initiatives. This is our most significant and invaluable accomplishment. Political and economic reforms can only be implemented with unity and stability. Unity is not only a path to the country’s goal, but also one of the statehood’s main pillars.”
“Our people understand firsthand the true meaning of unity and peace. These are lasting values for members of all ethnic groups who have survived difficult times and found refuge in Kazakhstan. Our people live in peace because these ideals are recognized and respected. This is an unprecedented accomplishment.”
President said , “To have a Kazakh passport means being a citizen of a globally acknowledged country, who may freely travel worldwide and consider themselves an integral member of the modern world. Kazakhstan’s passport embodies the progressive values on which our unity and harmony are based. In turn, the sky-blue flag of Kazakhstan vividly embodies our sacred independence and centuries-old statehood.”
Head of the State said, “Knowledge of the Kazakh language remains a crucial component of the country’s policy. Kazakh language should become a means of introducing the best achievements of scientific progress and education. Citizens who have not studied the state language and do not know it as required should never be infringed. At the same time, learning the state language and striving to master it must become an everyday norm in our society.”
President Tokayev concluded, “Each ethnic group makes an invaluable contribution to strengthening friendship and harmony, and Kazakh citizens should be steadfast in their commitment to the country’s core ideals. If we continue to develop a strong state and a just society for everyone, we will transform our country into an indestructible monolith of freedom and independence.
