Pakistani PM arrives in Uzbekistan on Central Asia economic diplomacy tour

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia agreed to activate their bilateral anti-terrorism dialogue during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev on Tuesday, according to an official statement from the interior ministry.

Both nations have been grappling with threats from armed militant groups. Pakistan has complained of “cross-border” attacks by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) originating from Afghanistan, allegations denied by Kabul’s interim Taliban administration.

The country has also been targeted by ethnic Baloch separatists, who accuse the state of exploiting Balochistan’s rich mineral resources without benefiting local communities. The Pakistani government, however, says it has launched several development projects in the region to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Russia has also faced terrorism on its soil. On March 22, 2024, a deadly attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, killing over 140 people and injuring many others. The attack, claimed by Daesh militants, was one of the deadliest in Russia in recent years.

“Terrorism is an international challenge, and only through multifaceted joint efforts can this menace be controlled,” Naqvi said, according to his ministry’s statement.

During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts.

They agreed to increase mutual exchanges of delegations to strengthen collaboration further.

Russian Ambassador Khorev also extended an invitation for Pakistani officers to participate in anti-narcotics training programs in Moscow and Siberia.

“We will promote mutual contacts to further strengthen relations with Russia,” Naqvi said, emphasizing the broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at taking bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, Pakistani state media reported on Tuesday.
The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to increase trade and investment as it treads a tricky path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, secured in September.
The volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year that ended in June, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“The MoU was signed during a high-level meeting between the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Iran’s Mashhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” the report read.
“During the meeting, Iran also assured Pakistan of reducing business visa fees and facilitating trade activities.”
Pakistan and Iran have often been at odds over instability along their shared, porous border and routinely trade blame for not rooting out militancy. Tensions surged in January last year when Pakistan and Iran exchanged airstrikes, with both claiming to target alleged militant hideouts in each other’s territory.
Iran’s late president Ebrahim Raisi toured Pakistan in April 2024 as both countries sought to mend ties after unprecedented tit-for-tat military strikes.
During Raisi’s three-day visit, the two governments signed MoUs and agreements covering different fields including trade, science and technology, agriculture, health, culture and judicial matters.
Raisi had said that the volume of trade between the two countries was “not acceptable at all” and that they should enhance bilateral trade to $10 billion.