In my last post on 15th December, I had mentioned that “if Saudi Arabia, UAE, Pakistan, Egypt or Turkey would like to acquire a prestigious international status, they have no choice other than building a rapprochement with China and Russia to be the part of the new “World Power-Game” in 21st century. And now, it is in the interest of Russia and China to play a constructive role for the future of Asia and Africa”.

It is happening very fast and Pakistan is becoming closer to Russia. A new security deal is expected in Kuala Lumpur summit between 19-21 December where around 450 leaders, scholars, clerics, and thinkers from 52 countries are expected to attend the event.

There is also a growing realization in Islamabad that the American-led world order has benefited only a few, at the expense of others. A new “World-Power Game” is in the making since Syrian war (2013-2019) which has provided Pakistan a window of opportunities to diversify its foreign policy beyond America. 

Prime Minister Imran Khan has settled the Soviet-era debt dispute and agreed to pay off $93.5 million to Russia. Imran has expressed his willingness to open Pakistan economy for Russian businesses and investors.  

Recently, a 64-member delegation, led by Russian Minister of Industry and Trade is in Pakistan on four-day visit. Pakistan has signed $1 billion deal with Russia to revive and upgrade Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) built with USSR assistance. Russia promised to invest $14 billion in Pakistan’s energy sector, $2.5 billion in North-South gas pipeline project, a new railway network from Quetta to Taftan and ready to provide Sukhoi fighter jets on lease with option to purchase.