ISLAMABAD, Oct 02 (APP): Federal Minister for Energy and co-chair of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said Pakistan has significant potential and a strong appetite to expand cooperation with Russia in key sectors, including energy, agriculture, food security, tourism and information technology, while stressing that closer bilateral engagement is important for regional peace, security and economic growth.
Sardar Leghari said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consistently availed opportunities to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on international platforms, reflecting the leaderships’ interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
He said the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, which he co-chairs with Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev, provided an important institutional mechanism for advancing cooperation across a broad range of areas.
Leghari highlighted the considerable untapped potential between the two countries, particularly in agriculture, food security, energy, tourism and IT.
He said enhanced trade and economic connectivity could be facilitated through improved rail links and Pakistan’s integration into the International North-South Transport Corridor.
The minister also spoke firmly on the Indus Waters Treaty, saying any attempt to deny Pakistan its water rights would constitute an “act of war”.
He called for a return to the treaty’s established dispute-resolution mechanism, warning that any disruption to the water-sharing framework could have consequences extending well beyond the region.
Mr Leghari said stronger Pakistan-Russia cooperation could contribute to broader regional stability while opening new avenues for economic growth and connectivity.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
