Pakistan, Russia voice concern over Afghanistan-based terror threats at security talks

• 12th Pak-Russia JWG meeting held in Islamabad stresses coordinated action against regional terrorism

• Pakistan calls for verifiable measures against militant groups in Afghanistan

• Both sides discuss emerging financing and recruitment methods used by terrorists

• Islamabad, Moscow agree to deepen cooperation at UN and SCO forums

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday reviewed the evolving regional security landscape and expressed shared concerns over terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan, underscoring the need for “coordinated efforts” to counter terrorism and “safeguard regional stability.”

The discussions took place during the 12th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Countering International Terrorism, held in Islamabad.

Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Khan Jamali and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Lyubinsky led their respective delegations, according to a Foreign Office spokesperson.

The 12th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism was held in Islamabad on 23 June 2026. Additional Secretary (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Khan Jamali and Russian Federation Deputy Minister for Foreign… pic.twitter.com/ZeN9gpNNFo

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 23, 2026

The two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism and explored avenues for further strengthening collaboration at regional and international forums, particularly the United Nations (UN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The discussions focused extensively on regional terrorist threats, with particular emphasis on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the risks it poses to neighbouring countries and wider regional security, the FO said.

🔊PR No.1️⃣5️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

12th Round of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group to Counter International Terrorism

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/b20C4Ge4Ix

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 23, 2026

During the dialogue, the Pakistani delegation stressed the need for immediate, sustained and verifiable action by the relevant authorities in Afghanistan against terrorist groups operating from its territory.

The delegation emphasized that Afghan soil must not be allowed to be used for planning, facilitating or conducting terrorist activities against any country, the Foreign Office statement said.

The two sides also exchanged views on emerging trends in terrorism, including the increasing use of new technologies and innovative methods for financing, recruitment and operational coordination by terrorist organizations, the statement said.

Recognizing the evolving nature of terrorist threats, both countries underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation and coordinated responses to effectively address these challenges.

Expressing satisfaction over the growing trajectory of bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration and strengthening coordination at both regional and multilateral platforms, the FO said.

 Establishment of Pak-Russia JWG

The Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group on Combating International Terrorism and Other Challenges to Security was established in February 2003 during former president Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Moscow. The mechanism was created to institutionalize bilateral security cooperation, coordinate counter-narcotics efforts and address issues related to regional stability, according to the Foreign Office.

Since its inception, the Joint Working Group has served as an important platform for regular consultations on regional security and counterterrorism. The 11th round of the dialogue was held in Moscow in April 2025, while the 12th meeting was convened in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The next round of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group will be held in Moscow next year.