On 17 December 2025, His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Azhar together with envoys and senior officials of ASEAN missions based in Islamabad undertook a visit to the Department of Peacekeeping Training (PKT) at the Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad. The visit reflected Pakistan’s peacekeeping diplomacy and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries in the field of international peace and security.
The engagement highlighted Pakistan’s institutional approach to UN peacekeeping through PKT-CIPS and its role in training, research, and policy support. Discussions focused on Pakistan’s contributions to UN peace operations, the importance of peacekeeping training and preventive diplomacy, and prospects for structured cooperation with ASEAN Member States, including joint training programmes and knowledge exchange.
The ASEAN delegation appreciated Pakistan’s principled role in UN peacekeeping and recognized PKT-CIPS as a valuable training and knowledge partner. The visit reinforced peacekeeping cooperation as an important avenue for strengthening ASEAN-Pakistan diplomatic engagement and future institutional collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Azhar outlined Malaysia’s prevention-focused counterterrorism approach through SEARCCT, emphasizing education, dialogue, and regional cooperation. In response, Maj. Gen. Rtd. Zahid Mahmood, Principal CIPS, underscored Pakistan’s extensive peacekeeping experience, the importance of collective capacity building, and Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, particularly in relation to Afghanistan.
Maj. Gen. Rtd. Zahid Mahmood also presented souvenir to Amb. Dato’ Azhar.
