Kazakhstan celebrated the 10th anniversary of its “Through the Eyes of Foreign Media” contest with a grand award ceremony in Astana. The event recognized international journalists who highlighted the country’s culture, economy, tourism, and digital transformation on the global stage.
Among the notable winners was Muhammad Ali Pasha from Pakistan. An IT professional and writer, Pasha received recognition in the digitalization category for his insightful work on Kazakhstan’s digital transformation and the growing role of the Astana Hub. His award was presented by the Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan during the ceremony on October 2, 2025.
Muhammad Ali Pasha’s Contribution to Digitalization
Speaking after receiving the award, Pasha shared that writing has always been a passion alongside his professional career as a software engineer. His award-winning article explored Kazakhstan’s ongoing digital transformation and the opportunities created by the Astana Hub for innovation and global collaboration.
He described the honor as an unforgettable experience, stating that the recognition reflects his interest in both writing and technology. He also highlighted how Kazakhstan’s advancements since 2018 have opened fresh opportunities for cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and cloud solutions.
Strengthening Pakistan-Kazakhstan Digital Cooperation
Pasha emphasized that the rapid digital transformation in Kazakhstan presents unique possibilities for bilateral collaboration. With the rise of artificial intelligence and digital ecosystems, countries like Pakistan can engage with Kazakhstan in joint projects for innovation. He pointed out that digital partnerships can create new opportunities for business, education, and technological growth across Central Asia and South Asia.
Looking ahead, Pasha announced his plans to attend the upcoming Digital Bridge Conference in Kazakhstan. The event will bring together global leaders, experts, and innovators in technology. For him, the conference will provide deeper insights into Kazakhstan’s growing digital landscape and help strengthen Pakistan’s ties with the region.
Other International Journalists Recognized
The award ceremony also honored journalists from around the world. Belgium’s Derya Soysal was recognized in the economy category, while Uzbekistan’s Akpanbetova Arukhan received an award in culture and history. In addition, the United States’ Matthew Fitzgerald earned recognition in sports, and Armenia’s Marianna Mkrtchian was awarded in tourism.
These awards reflect Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening its global image by encouraging foreign journalists to showcase the country’s achievements and cultural richness.
A Milestone for Pakistan’s Representation
Muhammad Ali Pasha’s success highlights the growing role of Pakistani professionals in global forums. His recognition not only emphasizes Kazakhstan’s digital progress but also showcases Pakistan’s talent in contributing to international dialogue on technology and innovation.
This milestone is expected to inspire more Pakistani writers, journalists, and IT professionals to explore opportunities for global engagement, particularly in the fields of technology, culture, and digital partnerships.
