The first-ever Russia–Pakistan Eurasian Forum 2025 convened in Moscow, bringing together scholars, diplomats and policymakers to chart a new course for Islamabad–Moscow ties. Organized by research institutions from both countries with government support, the forum placed particular emphasis on non-traditional security, people-to-people links and regional cooperation across Eurasia.
In his keynote address Senator Mushahid Hussain outlined how collaboration on non-traditional security issues can build economic stability and mutual trust while enhancing people-to-people partnerships. He argued that practical cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, commerce, culture, education and energy would form the backbone of the proposed Eurasian Connectivity initiative.
Senator Mushahid described the global balance shifting eastward and said Eurasia is emerging as the center of gravity for the rising Global South. He identified Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Turkey and the Central Asian republics as key drivers of a multipolar Eurasian multilateralism, and stressed that structured connectivity is essential to translate that potential into results.
To institutionalize this approach he announced the establishment of the Eurasian Connectivity Forum, conceived as a platform linking media, academia, think tanks, business and civil society. The forum will prioritise people-to-people connectivity alongside trade and energy cooperation to create sustainable ties across the region.
Senator Mushahid also urged the creation of an annual Pakistan–Russia Strategic Dialogue led by opinion and business leaders, noting the absence of a fundamental conflict of interest between the two countries in the current international environment. He referenced Pakistan’s balanced stance on Ukraine and Russia’s measured response during recent tensions with India as examples of mutual restraint and a shared rejection of any new Cold War dynamic.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and a wide range of Russian scholars, diplomats and international relations experts participated in the forum. Senator Mushahid called on both governments to seize the moment to expand cooperation, arguing that a formal Eurasian Connectivity framework can translate strategic convergence into tangible projects and stronger bilateral ties for Pakistan.
