Pakistan, Russia discuss security issues, military use of AI

Undated file photo of flags of Pakistan (left) and Russia. (APP)
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Updated 08 February 2024
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Pakistan, Russia discuss security issues, military use of AI

  • 14th round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability held 
  • Officials agree 15th meeting of the group would be held next year in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The 14th round of the Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held on Thursday, the foreign office in Islamabad said, with the two sides discussing a range of issues related to security and the military use of artificial intelligence. 

The meeting took place under the chairmanship of Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament) Mohammad Kamran Akhtar and Deputy Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs S.A. Ryabkov.

“The parties had an in-depth exchange of views on international security and regional stability challenges, as well as on various aspects of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation,” the foreign ministry said. 

“The two sides discussed issues related to the agenda of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The issues concerning biological, space and international information security, as well as new and emerging technologies, including the military use of artificial intelligence, came under discussion at length.”

The two sides expressed satisfaction on shared views on issues of global strategic stability and regional security including matters related to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. It was agreed that the 15th meeting of the group would be held next year in Islamabad.

Pakistan and Russia have been moving to improve ties since last year, with Pakistan importing gas on reduced prices from Moscow as well as crude oil cargos. 


Pakistan telecom regulator urges restraint on social media amid regional tensions

Updated 28 February 2026
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Pakistan telecom regulator urges restraint on social media amid regional tensions

  • PTA warns against sharing unverified content, says legal action may follow ‘fake news’
  • Advisory comes as Pakistan strikes targets in Afghanistan and Iran faces US, Israeli attacks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator on Saturday urged citizens to avoid sharing “unverified or inflammatory” content online, warning that legal action could be taken against those spreading misinformation amid what it described as a “sensitive national situation.”

The advisory from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) comes as Islamabad says it is targeting militant positions inside Afghanistan following a recent flareup between the two neighbors, while Iran is under attack by the United States and Israel in an escalating regional conflict that has heightened security concerns across South and West Asia.

“In view of the prevailing sensitive national situation, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) urges all citizens to be responsible while using social media and digital platforms,” the regulator said in a statement posted on X.

The PTA advised citizens “not to share, disseminate, forward, or upload any unverified, inflammatory, or misleading information/content that may directly or indirectly harm the national interest, public order, or state institutions.”

It said people should instead rely on authentic information based on official sources and refrain from spreading rumors and “fake news.”

“Sharing any fake news/information is liable to legal action in accordance with applicable laws,” the authority said, calling on citizens to act with “caution, maturity, and a strong sense of national responsibility” to help maintain stability and public confidence.

Pakistan in recent years has witnessed increasingly stringent implementation of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), a cybercrime law that has drawn criticism from rights groups, with journalists and activists arrested and prosecuted under its provisions.