Shaheer Ahmed
Pak-Russian relations are a hot topic these days. Previously, we heard the news about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most anticipated visit to Pakistan. This visit is being scheduled for the past 2 years but kept on getting delayed because of Covid and other issues. However, a telephonic conversation between Islamabad and Moscow confirmed Putin’s visit to Pakistan in the near future. Nonetheless, amidst the chaos came this amazing news that for the first time in 2 decades, a Pakistani Prime Minister will land on Russian territory.
Imagine what kind of relationship existed between the two countries that for almost 20 years, no Pakistani Prime Minister visited Russia. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last visited Russia in 1999. Since then, sadly no Pakistani Prime Minister ever visited Russia. Nevertheless, bad news is always accompanied by good news. Rastay huay bahal! Prime Minister Imran Khan is scheduled to pay a visit to Russia in the last week of February most probably when he returns from his visit to Beijing. Pak-Russian relations are witnessing a new turn of events. The bilateral relations are improving with each passing day.
https://twitter.com/PSFAERO/status/1490406386177511425
Russia’s inclination towards the east is understood quite clearly. Amid the Ukraine conflict, Russia is trying to end its reliance on the West. This is one of the reasons behind Russia’s deepening friendly relations with China and Pakistan. Pakistan and Russia also have many things in common that they needed to address. The two countries have touched bases on the issues of bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, common international issues, energy, economic, trade aspects, and most importantly stabilizing Afghanistan. Even the upcoming PM’s visit to Russia is been carried out to enhance economic relations between the two countries and also, it was a much-needed step. Moreover, on many accounts, leaders of both the countries have been seen raising voices in favor of each other. These goodwill gestures lead both the countries to the path of cooperation. In the international arena, countries fail to set their selfish interests aside resulting in lesser cooperation and more hostility.
Pak-Russian blooming relations are a good sign for South Asian peace. This shows the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in today’s world. War should never be the option for conflict resolution. This is what the present government’s approach is towards its foreign affairs i.e., spreading peace especially in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan At The Opening Ceremony of Beijing Winter Olympics
