Russia offers cyber security partnership to protect Pakistan’s energy systems
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Russia has proposed a partnership with Pakistan to strengthen cyber security across its energy infrastructure, as concerns grow over increasing digital threats to critical systems worldwide.
The proposal was conveyed by Russia’s Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev in a letter to Pakistan’s Power Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, according to officials familiar with the development. He warned that cyber risks to energy networks are rising and require coordinated international responses, noting that such threats often extend beyond national borders.
Under the plan, Moscow has proposed developing a joint programme to assess and enhance cyber resilience across Pakistan’s energy sector. The initiative is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and protecting critical infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.
As part of the effort, Russia has suggested involving Cyberus, a private foundation that works with industry stakeholders and supports Russia’s Ministry of Energy in safeguarding energy systems. The organisation is expected to contribute specialised technical expertise.
The proposal also includes the creation of a joint inter-agency working group comprising government institutions and companies from both countries. The group would be responsible for designing and implementing the programme while ensuring coordination across multiple sectors.
The development comes as Pakistan and Russia expand cooperation in areas including energy, trade and technology. Energy remains a key area of engagement, with both sides exploring collaboration in oil and gas, liquefied natural gas supplies, renewable energy, hydropower and water management.
Officials say the proposed collaboration aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation in the power sector, including the rollout of smart grids and advanced metering systems. While such technologies improve efficiency, they also increase exposure to cyber risks by creating multiple entry points for potential attacks.
Pakistan’s energy sector has undergone rapid digitalisation in recent years, with utilities adopting automated control systems and internet-connected monitoring tools. Experts say these advancements must be supported by robust cyber security frameworks to prevent disruption or data breaches.
Globally, cyber attacks targeting energy infrastructure have increased, with power grids, pipelines and utility systems frequently targeted by ransomware groups and state-linked actors.
Officials warn that such threats pose significant risks for developing economies, where disruptions to energy supply can have wide-ranging economic and social impacts.
The proposed partnership is seen as another step in strengthening ties between the two countries, particularly since Pakistan joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017, with energy security emerging as a shared priority.
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