Amb. Waheed Ahmad (Former Diplomat): Pakistan accords high priority to its ties with all the Central Asian Republics (CARs), especially Kyrgyzstan which is our next door neighbour. We share cultural, religious and a lot of other common values with Kyrgyzstan. Both Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan are almost developing nations. We have a very strong influence in Kyrgyz Republic because a large number of Pakistani students are studying medical professional in Kyrgyzstan. Pakistan also offers scholarships to students from Kyrgyz Republic and other Central Asian republics, but due to lingual barriers students from CARs unable to benefit from our offer. Probably our businessmen will be able to do business with Kyrgyz Republic once situation in Afghanistan improves. Till then there are lot of problems in this regard. CASA is also a great project for regional connectivity and prosperity and it will definitely prove as a regional game changer. Currently, Afghan worsening situation is hampering trade and business activities between Pakistan and CARs.