Pakistan and Russia Expand Security and Economic Ties

The Government of Pakistan and the Federal Government of Russia are deepening bilateral ties through a series of security, diplomatic, and economic initiatives aimed at regional stability. In June 2026, officials from both nations convened the 12th Joint Working Group on Countering International Terrorism in Islamabad to increase intelligence sharing regarding threats originating from Afghanistan.

Security cooperation expanded further in Bishkek, where Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev signed agreements to combat illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking. While both nations share concerns over Afghanistan, Russia focuses on the Islamic State - Khorasan Province, whereas Pakistan targets the Balochistan Liberation Army and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Russia facilitated this cooperation by formally recognizing the Taliban administration in July 2025, with President Vladimir Putin accepting the credentials of the Taliban government's ambassador in January 2026.

Economically, the two countries are developing a Program of Economic Cooperation through 2030. This includes exploring the integration of Pakistan into the International North-South Transport Corridor via Gwadar Port. Pakistan is also preparing to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization following the August 2026 summit in Bishkek, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar outlining the nation's priorities for the role.