Pakistan and Russia Move to Turn IT Ties Into Joint AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Deals
Companies from Pakistan and Russia are lining up joint ventures in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity after a bilateral IT webinar in Islamabad, as Pakistan's record $4.6 billion IT exports push the sector toward new markets.
Pakistan and Russia are moving their technology relationship from dialogue into concrete commercial partnerships, with firms from both countries preparing joint projects in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity. The plans were discussed at a Pakistan–Russia IT Collaboration Webinar held in Islamabad on Wednesday, organised by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) together with the University of World Civilizations in Moscow, with Russian participants joining remotely.
The discussions were organised around six focus areas: AI and cloud services, cybersecurity, digital governance, IT services trade and investment, digital skills, and quantum computing. Companies including Ebryx, Positive Technologies, TMC and the Russian Quantum Center explored co-developing cybersecurity tools, enterprise software, FinTech products and AI solutions aimed at markets in Pakistan, Russia and third countries.
Addressing the event as chief guest, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal urged firms on both sides to pursue joint ventures, pilot projects and expanded market access. He noted that Pakistan produces more than 75,000 IT graduates each year, aims to train one million AI professionals by 2030, and is establishing seven new AI centres across the country.
PSEB Chief Executive Faisal Jeddy said the goal was for every participating company to leave with a defined opportunity, a named counterpart and a clear next step. Partnerships rarely fail for lack of intent, he observed, but often falter for lack of follow-up, signalling a focus on execution rather than announcements.
The outreach comes as Pakistan's IT and telecom exports reached a record of about $4.6 billion in FY2025-26, a rise of roughly 20 percent, with the sector actively seeking new markets. Russia is emerging as a potential destination, and IT Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan said the talks produced a shortlist of concrete opportunities, with the ministry ready to help clear regulatory hurdles so that the first pilot projects can begin without delay.
The webinar follows other recent steps in bilateral relations, including Russian scholarships offered to Pakistani students. For Pakistan's technology sector, the emphasis now is on converting government-level goodwill into signed deals, working prototypes and export revenue.
