Kazakhstan for Nuclear Disarmament and Better Social Living Conditions for the Public-by Tazeen Akhtar

Islamabad-Ambassador of Kazakhstan H.E. Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin has said that the leadership of his country is determined to accelerate the implementation of  the Five Institutional Reforms, the Plan of the Nation developed by Elbasy and the work of the National Modernisation Commission. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s address to the nation at the beginning of new parliamentary years depicts the resolve to speed up the work in social uplifting of our society, give bright future to our youth and provide safe and secure environment and neighborhood to live that is free of nuclear arsenal and weapons.

He was addressing to a press briefing at his residence that was called to apprise the journalists about latest political developments in Kazakhstan related to the Commemoration of the International Day against Nuclear Tests, and Kazakhstan President’s State of the Nation Address highlights on Thursday, Sep 5, 2019.

Ambassador presented his credentials on 04 Sep 2019 to the President of Pakistan. He started his address in Urdu to the pleasant astonishment of the journalists. Mr. Akan Rakhmetullin told that he has been serving in Pakistan from 1994 to 96 as a diplomat in newly opened embassy of Kazakhstan. During that period he learnt Urdu but now he needs to refresh it again.

Mr. Rakhmetullin threw light on the back grounder of becoming a torch bearer of nuclear disarmament. He said USSR used a site in east of Kazakhstan for its nuclear tests. Our people suffered a lot because of these tests. They got different diseases including cancer. After independence from USSR, fourth biggest nuclear arsenal was in Kazakhstan. Our leader Mr. Nur Sultan decided to get rid of this stock that was hailed by the whole world community and United Nations. World celebrate 29^th Aug as nuclear disarmament day. Kazakhstan celebrated this day with renewal of our pledge to make the world safer from nuclear weapons.

Regarding social sector reforms and programs being implemented and mentioned in the presidential address, Mr Rakhmetullin said that Kazakhstan is bringing new policy for land allocation. The empty lands will be allotted to companies and organizations to cultivate or develop them. Agriculture sector will get more attention. Social security, financial assistance and insurance is also our priority. Kazakhstan will address the issues of youth enhancing the means of their employment and jobs. Ministry of interior is introducing strict measures and penalties to curb the street and other types of crimes. The new government is moving ahead with special arrangements for the public in health sector as well.

The ambassador distributed the draft of the address of the president for their detail study and perusal.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Address to the Nation was focused on constructive public dialogue; the basis of stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan. He said “Our work should proceed from the need for the full implementation of the Five Institutional Reforms and the Plan of the Nation developed by Elbasy. The work of the National Modernisation Commission that he created should be resumed.”

The President spoke about modern effective state saying the political transformation will be gradually and steadily carried out taking into account the interests of our state and people.“A strong President – an influential Parliament – an accountable Government.” Is a goal towards which we must move at an accelerated pace.“Listening State”, quickly responds to all constructive citizen requests. Only through a constant dialogue between the Government and society can a harmonious state be built in the context of modern geopolitics.

President highlighted the measures to be implemented which include continuing the process of party building, effective citizen feedback, improvement in legislation about rallies, strengthening the public consensus.

A key factor in enhancing the protection of citizens’ rights and their security is the substantial reform of the judicial and law enforcement systems.A number of serious measures must be taken to improve the quality of court decisions.

In order to give a new impetus to the development of the economy, We need to implement a number of structural tasks in line with the Long-term Development Strategy 2050 and the Plan of the Nation proposed by Elbasy.

First. Abandonment of the raw material-based mentality and diversification of the economy.

Second. Increased returns from the quasi-public sector.

Third. Effective small and medium sized businesses are a solid foundation for the development of cities and villages.Therefore, the state will continue to support businesses.

Cases of raiding against SMEs have become more frequent.Any attempts to hinder the development of business, especially small and medium-sized ones, should be considered crimes against the state.

The country’s budget should be focused on two main objectives – the development of the economy and solving social problems.

The social sphere should focus on the following areas.

First. Improving the quality of education.

Second. Support for the institution of family and childhood, the creation of an inclusive society.

Third. Ensuring the quality and accessibility of medical services.

Fourth. Support for those who work in culture and the arts.

Fifth. Further development of the social support system.

Sixth. development of our domestic pension system where serious problems have accumulated.

The President believes in strengthening all regions of country, He intends to focus on following tasks in this regard

First. Improving the efficiency of local authorities.

Second. Reform of the system of interbudgetary relations.

Third. Managed urbanisation and a unified housing policy.

Fourth. Infrastructure development.

During QnA session, to a question that Kazakhstan is the most sensitive country after Japan about nuclear destruction, in South Asia the issue of Kashmir is also a nuclear flash point between India and Pakistan. How Kazakhstan sees it and can you comment on it? The Ambassador replied that “ I have seen statement of Indian Defence Minister about first use of nuclear. Pakistan authorities took it seriously and responded well. We understand the reservations and concerns of Pakistan regarding the threat of nuclear confrontation between the two countries. At the same time we thing that both countries will opt to a wise strategy. We expect the issue will be resolved through dialogue in accordance with the charter of UNO and International Laws. Both countries better know that use of nuclear is destruction only.”

Mr. Rakhmetullin replied to another question about direct communication that we look forward to a negotiated solution to Afghan crisis soon. It will open a direct road link between Kazakhstan and Pakistan. As long as other means are concerned, Karakoram Highway is the best that is being reconstructed by China to keep it worth using throughout the year.

Ambassador said that trade volume is not equal to our expectations and both countries are working upon increasing the figures. We have huge potential and we will try our best to exploit it.