Kazakhstan’s reforms could become a model for other countries – Pakistani expert

Tengrinews.kz – Raashid Wali Janjua, Director of Research at the Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad (IPRI), believes that the political reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan can serve as an example for other countries, including Pakistan.
Speaking about political modernization, the expert drew attention to changes in Kazakhstan’s electoral system.

“Kazakhstan has introduced a proportional representation system, replacing the previous model with a mixed system under which 68 deputies will be elected in a nationwide constituency based on a minimum vote threshold, and 30 deputies through a first-past-the-post majoritarian system. These reforms will increase political participation, strengthen the system of local self-government and expand the powers of people at the ‘grassroots’ community level.”

According to Janjua, the issue of transferring political power to the local level is particularly relevant for Pakistan, and in this area Kazakhstan’s local governance model can be viewed as an effective example.
The expert also noted changes in the judicial system.

“President Tokayev has established a Constitutional Court, which will oversee the work of the judicial system; its composition will be formed through a process involving Parliament and the Government, rather than being appointed solely by the President.”

In addition, Janjua pointed out, Kazakhstan is creating a High Judicial Council, which will be responsible for the training, professional development and accountability of judges. Similar mechanisms are currently being introduced in Pakistan as well.

“Pakistan has also created a constitutional court modeled on Kazakhstan in order to establish a specialized judicial body focused exclusively on constitutional matters and to reduce the burden on the judicial system.”

The expert added that in Kazakhstan the accountability of law enforcement agencies to society is also being strengthened.

“President Tokayev has made law enforcement agencies more efficient and accountable to the people, in order to control crime and respond to public security issues.”

Pakistan, he noted, is likewise pursuing police reforms and introducing mechanisms for police–community interaction.
In Janjua’s view, Kazakhstan’s experience in digitizing tax administration could also be useful.

“Simplifying the system to facilitate tax collection and expanding the tax base are also important aspects that Pakistan should adopt.”

He also pointed to Pakistan’s challenges in ensuring universal access to education and noted that, in this area, Kazakhstan’s experience in expanding educational grants and improving university quality can be studied.
Speaking about Kazakhstan’s digital transformation, Janjua drew attention to the country’s technology development plans.

“Kazakhstan aims to become a fully digital country within three years by introducing a Digital Code that will guide initiatives in AI, big data and the platform economy,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s IT sector is also developing and the country plans to increase digital services exports to 15 billion dollars a year.

In conclusion, the expert noted that Kazakhstan is also reforming its pension system, taking into account demographic challenges. In his opinion, this experience may be useful for Pakistan as well to improve the sustainability of its own pension system.