The 12th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group on counterterrorism opened in Islamabad on 23 June 2026 with both sides reviewing the evolving regional security environment and the growing challenge of extremist threats across the neighborhood.
Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Khan Jamali and Russian Federation Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Dmitry Lyubinsky led the Pakistan-Russia counterterrorism talks, which centered on the broader impact of terrorism on regional stability and the need for closer coordination between the two countries.
According to the discussions, a major concern was the threat emanating from Afghanistan and its possible spillover effects for neighboring states. The two delegations exchanged views on how such risks could affect peace and security in the wider region, underscoring the importance of sustained diplomatic and security engagement.
The meeting also reviewed the current shape of bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism, with both sides identifying areas where practical collaboration can be strengthened. The dialogue pointed to increased engagement at regional and international platforms, particularly the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as a way to build common responses to shared security challenges.
The Pakistan-Russia counterterrorism talks reflected continued interest from both capitals in maintaining regular contact on security concerns. The working group format has become an important channel for discussing threat perceptions, improving coordination and supporting wider efforts aimed at regional peace and stability.
