ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The twelfth round of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group focused on countering international terrorism concluded in Islamabad on June 23, 2026. The Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Dmitry Lyubinsky, while Ambassador Khalid Jamali, Additional Foreign Secretary at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Pakistani contingent. Discussions predominantly revolved around regional terrorist threats, with a significant emphasis placed on terrorism originating from Afghanistan and the resultant risks to neighbouring countries and overall regional stability. Pakistan underscored the imperative for prompt and verifiable actions by the relevant authorities within Afghanistan to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent the nation’s territory from being exploited as a launchpad for international terrorist operations. Both delegations engaged in deliberations concerning the evolving methodologies employed by terrorist organisations, including novel approaches to financing and recruitment, and highlighted the necessity for a unified and coordinated global response to these escalating threats. The participants expressed mutual satisfaction with the progressively strengthening bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. They also identified promising avenues for enhanced collaboration within both regional and international platforms, particularly within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The forthcoming, thirteenth round of the Joint Working Group is scheduled to take place in Moscow next year.