Overview
- The Institute of Regional Studies and the University of World Civilisations held the second Pakistan‑Russia webinar on Thursday to move conversations toward practical economic cooperation.
- Energy Minister Sardar Awais Leghari said Pakistan is courting Russia as a major energy partner and cited Russian company moves such as Zarubezhneft’s MoUs with PPL and OGDCL and its operational presence since August 2025.
- Leghari reported bilateral trade fell to $243.412 million in FY2025 after topping $1 billion in FY2024 and he blamed disrupted payment mechanisms, limited banking channels, financing gaps and shipping logistics for the drop.
- Speakers proposed fixable measures to convert talks into projects, including rail upgrades such as Quetta‑Taftan, use of the International North‑South Transport Corridor, cargo air services, banking facilitation and visa ease for business and students.
- Participants stressed the 2030 Programme of Economic Cooperation, stronger university links and scholarships for about 1,087 Pakistani students in Russia as the institutional spine that could spur investment, jobs and technology transfer if financing and logistics are resolved.