Excerpt: This post answers the questions “Who was the first Pakistani prime minister to visit Russia? What is the name of Pakistan prime minister who visited USSR first of all? Who was the first Pakistan head of state to visit Russia?”
The rich history of Pakistan is marked by many groundbreaking milestones, including diplomatic efforts to strengthen international relations. One significant diplomatic event was the visit of a Pakistani Prime Minister to Russia, highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to expand its geopolitical partnerships. This pioneering visit was a critical step towards establishing and enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia.
Who was the First Pakistani Prime Minister to Visit Russia/USSR?
The first Pakistani Prime Minister to visit Russia was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He embarked on this groundbreaking visit in March 1974. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, born on January 5, 1928, in Larkana, Sindh, was a prominent political leader who played a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy. Educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and Oxford University, Bhutto had a keen understanding of global politics and diplomacy.
During his visit to the Soviet Union, Bhutto met with the then-Soviet Premier, Alexei Kosygin, and other top officials. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and exploring areas of mutual interest. This visit was instrumental in establishing a foundation for diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Russia, which have continued to evolve over the years.
Imran Khan Visit in 2022 to Russia
In February 2022, Prime Minister Imran Khan made a historic visit to Russia, marking the first visit by a Pakistani head of state in over two decades since 1991. This visit was significant as it aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore opportunities for economic and energy cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit, Imran Khan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions focused on enhancing trade ties, particularly in the energy sector, and addressing regional issues of mutual interest. The visit was notable for its timing, as it coincided with escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite the challenging geopolitical backdrop, the visit underscored Pakistan’s commitment to diversifying its foreign relations and seeking new avenues for economic collaboration. The trip was seen as a step towards resetting and improving Pakistan-Russia relations, which had been historically influenced by Cold War dynamics and regional conflicts.
In conclusion, the diplomatic engagements between Pakistan and Russia have evolved significantly over the years, marked by important visits such as those by Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1974 and Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022. These visits have played pivotal roles in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations. As Pakistan continues to expand its international partnerships, the historical and recent efforts to strengthen ties with Russia highlight the importance of building resilient and multifaceted foreign relations. The journey of Pakistan-Russia relations serves as a testament to the potential of diplomacy in bridging gaps and creating opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
Sources: The above answer is based on information from
- Zulfikar Ali Bhutto – Wikipedia
- Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto visits USSR – Sputnik
- Bhutto May Visit Soviet This Month – New York Times
- First Visit by a Pakistani PM to Russia – Tribune
- Why was Pakistan’s PM in Russia amid the Ukrain invasion – Al Jazeera
- Pakistan’s Khan in Russia – VOA News
