Director Scientific Institute for Study of Ulus of Jochi, Professor Zhaksylyk Sabitov Visits Pakistan

Islamabad, September 28, 2023 – Renowned historian and Director of the Scientific Institute for the Study of the Ulus of Jochi, Professor Zhaksylyk Sabitov, arrived in Pakistan at the invitation of H.E. Ambassador Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin from Kazakhstan for a two-day visit.

During his two-day visit, Professor Sabitov visited Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, and Punjab University, and Beaconhouse National University in Lahore. He also appeared in morning shows on the leading TV channels, PTV and Discovery Pakistan, where he spoke on the ongoing academic research on Kazakhstan’s history and prospects for cooperation with the expert community of Pakistan.

Ambassador Y. Kistafin spoke about the efforts to strengthen cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan, particularly in the field of education such as developing links between universities and expert academic circles, emphasizing that Professor Z. Sabitov’s visit marks the beginning of collaboration among historians.

Professor Sabitov conducted seminars for students and history department teachers during his university visits, focusing on aspects of history of Kazakhstan related to South Asia, including ongoing research using DNA tests. He proposed to organize joint research to explore the common historical roots and interactions among the peoples inhabiting two regions.

As part of the cultural program, a visit to the Taxila Museum was also organized (an architectural UNESCO heritage site dating from the 6th century BC to the 5th century AD, which served as the capital to Gandhara people from the Ancient Indian Sub-continent).

Additionally, cultural attractions in Lahore, such as the museum, Badshahi Mosque, Fort Lahore, Jahangir’s tomb, and Shalimar Gardens, were explored.

We express special gratitude to the Honorary Consul in Lahore, Mr. Rao Khalid Mustafa Khan, for his support in organizing the visit.

The trip concluded with an agreement to establish cooperation and conduct joint research among academic historians to explore the interactions between Central and South Asia, with a focus on the peoples inhabiting Kazakhstan and Pakistan.