Senior officials from Pakistan and Russia agreed on Tuesday to enhance their collaboration in combating terrorism, particularly in Afghanistan and the broader region, as both nations face growing security threats from armed militant groups, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The meeting, held in Moscow as part of the 11th session of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism, was attended by key officials from both sides.
Pakistan’s delegation, led by Special Secretary (United Nations) Nabeel Munir, and Russia’s side, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin, focused on the evolving nature of terrorism in the region. Both delegations discussed strategies to combat the increasingly transnational nature of terrorism.
Pakistan has long expressed concerns over rising cross-border attacks, particularly from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which it claims originates in Afghanistan. Kabul has denied these allegations.
Similarly, Russia continues to grapple with the threat posed by Daesh militants, highlighted by the deadly March 22, 2024, attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which left over 140 dead and many more injured.
The talks emphasised the need for adaptive and cooperative approaches to counter these evolving threats. The discussions also underscored the importance of collective action in ensuring both regional and global security.
The working group, which provides a platform for sharing experiences and strategies in the fight against terrorism, concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties. The next meeting of the working group will be scheduled for 2026.
The 2023 meeting of the group, held on November 16, focused on national strategies for combating terrorism, marking a continuation of the growing cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in addressing shared security challenges.
