Moscow, 5 November 2026: Pakistan and Russia discussed ways to deepen cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence and digital innovation during the third webinar of the Pakistan–Russia Webinar Series, jointly organized by the University of World Civilizations, Moscow, and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).
The discussion brought together policymakers, diplomats and technology experts from both countries, with a particular focus on joint ventures, market access and practical collaboration between the IT sectors of Pakistan and Russia.
Addressing the webinar, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, described technology as the engine driving progress across the four key pillars of development: energy, industry, security and technology. Referring to the Uraan Pakistan vision, he outlined Pakistan’s ambition to become a US$1 trillion economy by 2035.
The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s young population and expanding pool of educated professionals, including approximately 75,000 graduates annually. He referred to the second meeting of the Pakistan–Russia Joint Working Group on IT and the two countries’ role as founding members of the World AI Cooperation Organization. He also stressed the need to address language barriers through Russian and Urdu language programmes, enabling closer academic, professional and business interaction.
Dr. Roxolana Zigon read out a message from Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, Bella Cherkesova, reaffirming Russia’s interest in expanding digital cooperation with Pakistan. The message referred to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision: “We are not creating a digital economy; we are creating a Digital Pakistan.”
Ambassador of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, spoke about the opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, data management and emerging technologies. Referring to Russia’s population of nearly 146 million spread across approximately 17 million square kilometres, he noted that the two countries could benefit from combining Russia’s technological capabilities with Pakistan’s young and skilled workforce.
The Ambassador said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had placed particular emphasis on developing joint ventures in IT and technology. He expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to Russia would open further opportunities for direct engagement between technology companies, research institutions and investors from both countries.
