Islamabad: Kazakhstan on Sunday expressed keen interest to strengthen lasting and long-term economic and trade relations with Pakistan.

Talking to media in Astana, Kazakhstan's Minister for National Economy A Kuantyrov has said that Pakistan and Kazakhstan are engaged in mutual discussions for long-term economic partnership, which would pave the way for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries in the future.

A Kuantyrov said that Pakistan and Kazakhstan could play an important role in regional Economic and trade Integration, for which negotiations are going on in both countries.

He said that the concept of a middle corridor is very important for regional connectivity from which all regional economies could get benefits.

Islamabad: Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday said that the government was making all possible efforts to steer economy out of difficult situation to put it on path of sustainable growth.

Addressing as a chief guest at an Iftar dinner in Islamabad, he said friendly countries are expected to materialize their commitments with Pakistan that would pave way to close deal with the IMF and revive the economy.

The minister said that the friendly countries were expected to fulfill their commitments with Pakistan that would help to get the deal done with the IMF and restore the economy.

He stated that Pakistan’s economy was growing back in 2016 as it was on its way to the world’s 18^th strongest economy.

Dar regretted that Pakistan at the moment was facing serious economic challenges but he said that the country would not default as the government was all possible efforts to take out of the economic quagmire.  He lauded the initiative for hosting an iftar dinner for the ambassador sand diplomats.

Sharjah:  Left-hand batsman Imad Wasim stayed on the crease to help Pakistan set a reasonable target of 130 runs in the 2^nd T20I match against Afghanistan at Sharjah ground on Sunday night.

Imad scored 64 off 57 and overcame the pressure the team was undergoing after losing five wickets in the clash.

.@simadwasim shone with his fighting innings 🙌#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/vVUPMz4wL8

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 26, 2023

The Afghanistan bowlers gave real tough time in the beginning as they restricted the batters from scoring.

The partnership between Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim paved the way for Pakistan to come out of the pressure. Shadab contributed 32 runs off 25 balls. The fall of Saim Ayub, Muhammad Haris and Abdullah Shafique put Pakistan under pressure.

6️⃣7️⃣-run stand between @simadwasim and @76Shadabkhan gets Pakistan to 130-6 in their 20 overs 🏏#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/FXqF2BuMiR

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 26, 2023

Tonight match is a decisive for Afghanistan because if it win tonight it will mark the history of winning the first series against an international team.

Afghanistan won the first match of three-match T20I series against Pakistan being played in the United Arab Emirates.