In the lead-up to the official visit of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, to Moscow from 3–5 March 2026, the much-anticipated “MEDIA FORUM MOSCOW-ISLAMABAD” is set to convene, providing a pivotal platform to strengthen strategic dialogue, media collaboration, and people-to-people understanding between Russia and Pakistan.
The forum builds on the visionary framework established at the First Russia-Pakistan Eurasian Forum held on 16–17 December 2025 in Moscow, organized jointly by the University of World Civilizations (UWC, Russia), Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (Pakistan), and the Consortium for Asia-Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES, Pakistan). That landmark forum marked a significant step forward in fostering bilateral cooperation and exchanging ideas on regional stability, economic partnership, and strategic alignment.
Recognizing the vital role of people-to-people (P2P) diplomacy in shaping contemporary international relations, the forum was conceptualized by Dr. Roxolana Zigon, geopolitical analyst and Director of the Scientific Center for International Research “Diplomacy of the Nations, Partnership of Civilizations” at UWC. The initiative enjoys full support from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Russian Federation, as well as engagement from policymakers, think-tanks, media outlets, and business communities in both countries. SASSI aims to build the bridges between public policy outreach and people to people contact between Pakistan and Russia. The forum will include a diverse group of people representing institutions both from the Government and private enterprises with the aim that true diplomacy is always led by the people. Dr. Maria Sultan Chairperson SASSI University and Dr. Roxolana Zigon have helped to create the essential bridge between the two countries with a strong support of the public institutions such as Associate Press of Pakistan (APP) and Rossiya Segodnya Media Group of Russia. The effort has been duly supported by the Embassy of Pakistan, Moscow and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan.
After a period of limited direct engagement, both Moscow and Islamabad now emphasize the necessity of re-envisioning strategic alignment to effectively respond to evolving regional and global dynamics. The forum is designed to facilitate dialogue that bridges diplomatic, academic, and media perspectives, reinforcing mutual understanding and long-term partnership.
The MOSCOW-ISLAMABAD Media Forum will be held on 27 February 2026 at Rossiya Segodnya Media Group, Moscow, bringing together diplomats, international affairs experts, intellectuals, and senior journalists from both Russia and Pakistan. Islamabad’s representation will include the Associated Press of Pakistan, ensuring a vibrant exchange of insights among media professionals, policy-makers, and strategic experts. The event is organized by Rossiya Segodnya Media Group, with the support of the Embassy of Pakistan to Russia, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan, UWC, and South Asian Strategic Stability Institute University (SASSI, Pakistan).
The forum’s sessions will begin with “Global Challenges and Perspectives in a Changing World: Moscow and Islamabad Overview”, featuring opening remarks by Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speakers include H.E. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia; Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Defense and Security, Pakistan; and H.E. Albert Khorev, Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan.
The second session, “Perspectives on Bilateral Relations Development Between Russia and Pakistan,” will bring together Russian experts Dr. Vyacheslav Belokrenitsky, Head of the Center for Middle East Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, RAS; Dimitri Alexander Simes, Head of Sputnik International; and Sergei Strokan, Geopolitical Analyst, Kommersant, alongside Pakistani experts Dr. Sarwat Rauf, Head of the International Relations Department, NUML University; Mr. Iftikhar Shirazi, Bureau Chief, Dawn; and Mr. Shaukat Piracha, Senior Journalist and News Analyst, AAJ News.
The third session, “New Trends in International Journalism,” will explore contemporary transformations in global media, including technological, socio-political, and strategic challenges. Key contributors include Dr. Roxolana Zigon (UWC), Dr. Maria Sultan, Advisor to Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense and Chairperson of SASSI University, Dmitry Leontiev, Executive Content Producer, Rossiya Segodnya, Artem Chibarov, Head of Online Projects, Rossiya Segodnya,
Mr. Anas Malick, Bureau Chief, Asia One, and Amir Ilyas Rana, Bureau Chief, Express News.
The forum aims to chart pathways for enhanced strategic dialogue and collaboration between Russia and Pakistan at a critical geopolitical juncture. It underscores the increasing importance of P2P diplomacy, media partnership, and expert engagement, while providing a platform for political leaders and policymakers to strengthen long-term alignment and resilience against emerging global challenges.
