Pakistan and Russia are moving to expand cooperation in the technology sector, with companies from both countries exploring joint business projects in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity and other emerging fields.
The initiative was discussed at the Pakistan-Russia IT Collaboration Webinar held in Islamabad on Wednesday. The event was organised by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the University of World Civilizations Moscow, with Russian participants joining remotely from Moscow.
Six Areas Identified for Cooperation
Participants identified six priority areas for collaboration: AI and cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital governance, IT services trade and investment, digital skills development, and quantum computing.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who attended as the chief guest, urged companies from both countries to move towards joint ventures, pilot projects and improved access to each other’s markets.
He said Pakistan produces more than 75,000 IT graduates annually and aims to train one million AI professionals by 2030. The government is also establishing seven new AI centres.
PSEB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy said the webinar was designed to help participating companies identify business opportunities, establish direct contacts with potential partners and agree on practical next steps.
Companies including Pakistan’s Ebryx and Russia’s Positive Technologies, TMC and Russian Quantum Center discussed potential cooperation in cybersecurity, enterprise software, financial technology and AI product development. The proposed solutions could target markets in Pakistan, Russia and other countries.
Pakistan and Russia Explore Joint Technology Projects
IT Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan said the discussions had produced a shortlist of potential business opportunities. He added that the ministry would help address regulatory requirements to facilitate the launch of initial pilot projects.
Pakistan’s IT and telecom exports reached a record $4.6 billion in FY2025-26, marking growth of around 20 percent. Expanding partnerships with Russian technology companies could provide another avenue for Pakistani firms to develop international business and access new markets.
The latest initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen economic and institutional cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, including collaboration in education and technology.
