Naveed Ahmed Khan Photo by Sultan Bashir
ISLAMABAD – The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, Dato’ Azhar Mazlan, announced that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a historic visit to Malaysia in October this year. The visit follows months of engagement at the highest level and comes exactly one year after Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Islamabad in October 2024.
The envoy made the remarks while addressing a gathering at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, on the occasion of Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day. Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani graced the event as the Chief Guest, while ambassadors, diplomats, and business leaders, including Turkmenistan’s Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, were also present.
Dato’ Azhar Mazlan and his spouse extended a warm welcome to the guests. Both the Minister and the High Commissioner highlighted the significance of the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit, terming it a milestone in enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations.
“Our journey of independence began 68 years ago in 1957, and Pakistan was the first country to recognize Malaysia after independence. Relations between our two nations have always been deep and strong,” the High Commissioner said. He recalled that Malaysia’s first embassy was established in Karachi in 1957 before later shifting to Islamabad. He also lauded the Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia for their contribution to the Malaysian economy and their role as a bridge between the two countries.
Minister Kayani extended heartfelt congratulations to the people and government of Malaysia, noting that Pakistan and Malaysia share strong historical, cultural, and religious bonds. He emphasized that leadership on both sides enjoys deep trust and affection, and that the Independence Day celebrations symbolized a renewal of commitment to strengthen ties further. He also praised the Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia for contributing significantly to the country’s human capital and offered to provide additional skilled manpower if required.
During their dialogue in October 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the Malaysia-Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) signed in 2007. They pledged to boost bilateral trade, remove barriers in key sectors, ensure a level playing field, and address trade imbalances. Both leaders also called for an early meeting of the Joint Review Committee to comprehensively evaluate and expand the agreement.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in halal product processing, with Pakistan offering to increase its halal meat exports to Malaysia up to USD 200 million annually. Defence cooperation also featured prominently, with both countries reaffirming commitments under the 1997 MoU on Defence Cooperation and appreciating progress at the 14th Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation held in Islamabad in November 2023.
Meanwhile, four major MoUs were signed between Pakistani and Malaysian businesses in the presence of Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan. Fauji Meat Limited and NSK inked a Letter of Intent for a profit-sharing partnership in meat distribution. Gobi VC Investment Fund committed $300,000 to Qistbazar and announced a $50 million fund for Pakistani startups. SNA Equity pledged a $5 million investment in Gamalux Pakistan, aiming for $15 million by 2026. Additionally, the Pakistan-Malaysia Business Councils signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in halal trade.
Both sides reaffirmed their strategic partnership and underlined the importance of deepening economic, defence, and cultural ties in the years ahead.
