Pakistan, Russia agree to explore joint ventures in AI, cybersecurity and digital services

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have agreed to pursue technology partnerships, joint ventures and pilot projects in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and other emerging fields as both countries seek to expand digital trade and open access to new markets.

The understanding was discussed at a Pakistan-Russia IT Collaboration Webinar on Thursday, where government officials, industry associations and technology companies from both countries explored potential business partnerships and joint projects.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, addressing the event as chief guest, said Pakistan and Russia should move beyond conventional cooperation towards technology-driven partnerships and the development of globally competitive products and digital platforms.

He said technology was a key driver of Pakistan’s economic transformation, with the government aiming to build a $1 trillion economy by 2035 under its URAAN Pakistan plan, in which E-Pakistan was one of five strategic pillars.

Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s growing technology workforce, saying the country produced more than 75,000 IT graduates annually. He said the government aimed to develop one million artificial intelligence professionals by 2030 and had established seven new AI centres to strengthen research, innovation and links between academia and industry.

He cited the National Database and Registration Authority’s digital identity system and the Raast instant payment system as examples of Pakistan’s progress in digital infrastructure. Raast processed 646 million transactions in a single quarter, he said.

Iqbal said Russia’s scientific and engineering capabilities, combined with Pakistan’s skilled workforce and experience in international IT services, could create opportunities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital governance and emerging technologies.

He urged companies from both countries to pursue commercially viable partnerships, joint solutions and pilot projects, saying the success of the initiative would be measured through increased trade, investment, innovation and employment.

The discussions covered six priority areas: AI and cloud computing; cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure; digital governance and public infrastructure; IT and IT-enabled services trade and investment; digital skills and workforce exchange; and quantum computing.

Pakistan’s IT and telecom exports reached a record $4.6 billion in the fiscal year 2025-26, an increase of around 20 per cent from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Planning. The sector is seeking new markets and higher-value business opportunities.

Companies explore joint projects

The webinar was organised by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, in collaboration with Moscow-based University of World Civilizations (UWCM). It was the third event in the Pakistan-Russia Webinar Series.

Bella Cherkesova, Russia’s deputy minister of digital development, communications and mass media, delivered the keynote address, focusing on policy, investment and emerging technologies in the two countries’ digital partnership.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said bilateral relations had entered a more mature and multidimensional phase, with technology and digital trade offering opportunities to expand economic cooperation.

He said Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Moscow would work with PSEB to help Pakistani companies enter the Russian market.

PSEB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy outlined a proposed process for turning discussions into business agreements. It would involve identifying opportunities, matching companies, agreeing on pilot projects and assigning focal persons on both sides.

“Partnerships rarely fail for lack of intent; they fail for lack of follow-up,” Jeddy said, adding that PSEB would work with participating companies to turn discussions into contracts.

Industry representatives also discussed possible cooperation in software development, cybersecurity, enterprise solutions, financial technology, AI and cloud services.

RUSSOFT President Valentin Makarov and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) Chairman Shoab Ahmed Khan discussed ways to connect the two countries’ software industries through structured partnerships and joint delivery.

A separate session brought together representatives of Pakistani and Russian technology companies, including Ebryx, Positive Technologies, TMC and the Russian Quantum Center, to explore co-development and joint delivery opportunities in Pakistan, Russia and third-country markets.

In his concluding remarks, IT and Telecommunication Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan said the discussions had identified potential partnerships in cybersecurity, enterprise software, AI and cloud computing.

He said the ministry would work to facilitate market access, provide business intelligence and improve the visibility of Pakistani technology companies in Russia, adding that progress would be reviewed regularly with PSEB and its partners.