Pakistan, Russia pledge to deepen security cooperation

Underscore the importance of closer institutional linkages and improved coordination between the security institutions

Pakistan reaffirmed its resolve to deepen longstanding relations with Russia and expand practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly security, as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir met Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi focused on matters of mutual interest and the regional security environment, with particular emphasis on strengthening bilateral security cooperation.

“They underscored the importance of closer institutional linkages and improved coordination between the security institutions of Pakistan and Russia,” the statement outlined further.

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CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding ties with Moscow and translating bilateral relations into tangible cooperation in areas of shared interest, particularly in the security domain.

The Russian interior minister, meanwhile, appreciated Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability and acknowledged the professionalism and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism.

CDF Munir’s meeting with Minister Kolokoltsev comes amid expanding Pakistan–Russia engagement on counterterrorism, law enforcement, military training and broader bilateral relations.

In February, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan following a suicide attack on an Islamabad imambargah that killed at least 31 people. In letters of condolence to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Putin expressed solidarity with Pakistan and reiterated Russia’s willingness to work with Islamabad in combating terrorism.

Then, in May, Pakistani and Russian officials held the 16th meeting of the Russia-Pakistan Consultative Group on Strategic Stability in Moscow, where they discussed international security, global stability, arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. The Foreign Office said both sides found their approaches “aligned” on most of the issues discussed and agreed to continue coordination at relevant international forums. The next meeting was scheduled to take place in Islamabad in 2027.

A month after that, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, signed agreements to enhance cooperation on illegal immigration, the repatriation of illegally residing citizens and counter-narcotics efforts. Their discussions also highlighted regional security concerns linked to terrorist camps and drug production in Afghanistan. The agreements provided a practical framework for expanding cooperation between the two countries’ interior ministries and law enforcement agencies.

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On August 18, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev in Islamabad and welcomed what he described as positive momentum in bilateral relations. Dar stressed the need for continued collaboration in key areas and sustained high-level exchanges to further strengthen ties.

Towards the end of September, the Pakistan Army and Russian Army participated in the ninth edition of their joint military exercise, Druzhba-IX, at Cherat and the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi. The two-week exercise focused on sharing operational experience, refining counterterrorism drills and procedures, and enhancing interoperability between the forces.

Finally, a couple of days ago, Kolokoltsev arrived in Pakistan on a four-day visit at the invitation of Naqvi, marking the first visit to Pakistan by a Russian interior minister.