Russia offers cyber security cooperation to protect Pakistan’s energy infrastructure

Russia has offered to cooperate with Pakistan in strengthening cyber protection of its energy infrastructure, amid rising global concerns over cyber threats targeting critical utilities.

Business Recorder reported, citing officials familiar with the development, the offer was conveyed by Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev in a letter to Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.

In the communication, the Russian minister highlighted increasing cyber risks to energy systems and stressed the need for coordinated and proactive responses, noting that such threats extend beyond national borders.

Russia has proposed the development of a joint programme to assess and enhance cyber resilience across Pakistan’s energy sector, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and protecting critical systems.

To implement the initiative, Russia suggested engaging Cyberus, a private foundation that works with industry stakeholders and cybersecurity experts and serves as a partner to Russia’s Ministry of Energy in safeguarding energy infrastructure.

The proposal also includes setting up a joint inter-agency working group comprising government institutions and companies from both countries to develop and execute the programme.

The development comes as Pakistan and Russia expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, trade, and technology.

Energy remains a key area of engagement, with both sides exploring collaboration in oil and gas, LNG and LPG supply, renewable energy, hydropower, and water management technologies.

In November 2025, the two countries signed three memoranda of understanding during the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting, covering quality standards, anti-monopoly regulation, and media cooperation.

Officials said the proposed cybersecurity collaboration aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation in the power sector, including the rollout of smart grids and advanced metering systems.

They noted that while such technologies improve efficiency, they also increase exposure to cyber risks, requiring enhanced protection measures.