Prime Minister’s Visit to Moscow… A New Dimension in Pakistan–Russia Relations
MOSCOW ( WEB NEWS )
The official visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, to Russia from March 2 to 5 is not merely a diplomatic engagement but a reflection of Pakistan’s pragmatic strategy in a changing global landscape.
The ongoing military operation in Ukraine has reshaped global politics, raising new questions regarding energy, trade, and diplomatic balance. In such an environment, increasing engagement between Islamabad and Moscow has assumed unusual significance.
Gaining access to the corridors of the Kremlin is never easy, and a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin will go far beyond a formal exchange of views. Behind it lie practical matters such as bilateral interests, energy requirements, financial arrangements, and regional stability. Pakistan needs affordable energy and stable supply lines, while Russia is seeking new markets and partners.
The history of Pakistan–Russia relations is not confined to diplomatic statements. In the 1970s, the establishment of Pakistan Steel Mills with Soviet assistance became a prominent symbol of industrial cooperation between the two countries. The project demonstrated that ties between Islamabad and Moscow could be built on practical foundations.
Diplomatic circles are also discussing the possibility of progress on a memorandum of understanding or a new cooperation framework concerning Pakistan Steel Mills. If realized, this would not only revive a historic chapter but could also mark the beginning of a new era of industrial revival and bilateral economic partnership. However, the real importance will lie in translating any potential agreement into concrete action rather than mere paperwork.
In this context, the Pakistan–Russia Gas Pipeline project is also noteworthy, as it could become another example of long-standing cooperation in the energy sector. If tangible progress is made on both projects, the current visit could lay the groundwork for practical economic partnership rather than remain a symbolic diplomatic event.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Moscow, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has played a significant role in the diplomatic preparations for the visit. From scheduling high-level meetings to ensuring the participation of business representatives and structuring the bilateral agenda, the embassy’s proactive diplomacy aims to align the visit with practical outcomes.
An important aspect of the trip is the Pakistan–Russia Business Forum, in which 90 Pakistani companies are participating. The forum will provide a platform to directly connect the private sector alongside official negotiations. Discussions are expected on cooperation in energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and textiles. If the business community is provided with a workable framework, the forum could serve as a foundation for real growth in bilateral trade rather than being limited to ceremonial optics.
In reality, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Russia remains below its true potential. The Business Forum is an effort to bridge this gap so that government-level agreements can translate into private investment and practical projects.
Another important but less discussed issue is the readmission agreement between Pakistan and Russia, which has yet to be finalized. Its completion could mark significant progress in legal and immigration cooperation and strengthen confidence-building between the two countries.
Similarly, visa policy remains a practical challenge. Obstacles in issuing business visas for Pakistani entrepreneurs in Russia, along with strict student visa requirements, have slowed trade and educational exchanges. If the objectives of the Business Forum are to be realized, visa facilitation must be prioritized. Diplomatic statements have their place, but partnership cannot be complete without easing access for business and education.
Pakistan’s foreign policy is no longer one-dimensional. Efforts are being made to advance balanced relations with Beijing, Washington, and Moscow alike. Rather than describing ties with the United States as “complex,” it may be more appropriate to say that they are multidimensional and sensitive in nature. In this context, progress with Russia forms part of Pakistan’s strategy of diplomatic balance rather than an alignment with any single bloc.
The Prime Minister’s meeting and iftar with Pakistani students in Moscow also reflect an element of soft diplomacy. Pakistani youth studying at Russian universities can serve as future diplomatic and commercial bridges, provided that policy-level facilitation is ensured.
The visit is undoubtedly full of possibilities, but the real test will be implementing agreements in practice. Energy, trade, the Business Forum, the readmission agreement, and visa policy are the key issues that will determine the true direction of Pakistan–Russia relations.
In the cold air of Moscow, these meetings may shape the future. If concrete progress is achieved in energy, industry, and trade, this visit could prove historic and open a new chapter in Pakistan–Russia relations.