On Thursday, 12 September 2024, the High Commission of Malaysia in Pakistan hosted a special “An Engagement with Pakistani Media” event at its premises in Islamabad. The exclusive interaction saw a gathering of leading Pakistani journalists from electronic, print, and digital media. Joining the High Commissioner, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Azhar Mazlan were Deputy Head of Mission, First Secretary, Defence Adviser, and Immigration Attache who contributed to the discussions on bilateral ties and cooperation.
Talking to the Media, High Commissioner Dato’ Azhar emphasized his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and Pakistan. He highlighted that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming visit to Pakistan would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the countries’ relationship. The High Commissioner revealed that several agreements to boost cooperation in various sectors would be signed during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Dato’ Azhar also spoked about Malaysia’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He informed that Malaysian and Chinese companies are collaborating to connect Singapore with China through Malaysia via a high-speed rail project, aiming to enhance regional connectivity. The High Commissioner also pointed out that 15% of Malaysia’s population is of Chinese origin, which plays a significant role in fostering strong Malaysia-China relations.
Furthermore, he shared that Batik Airlines operates three direct flights weekly between Kuala Lumpur and Karachi and seven times weekly from Lahore, with plans to add more flight soon. Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates three flights from Islamabad to Malaysia.
The High Commissioner pointed to the longstanding defence training programs, since 1984, around 800 Pakistani officers have received training in Malaysia in areas such as anti-corruption, Islamic finance, and audit, with short courses ranging from two weeks to three months. Notably, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, participated in a training course in Kuala Lumpur in 2001, which has contributed to his deep respect for Malaysia.
High Commissioner Dato’ Azhar also warmly welcomed Pakistani students, workers, and investors to Malaysia, ensuring a favourable environment for their endeavours. He lauded the contributions of Pakistani workers in Malaysia’s development, noting that over 166,000 Pakistanis currently reside in the country, with around 5,000 students pursuing higher education there. Last year alone, Pakistani workers in Malaysia sent home remittances totalling USD250 million, with the Malaysian government having no restrictions on such transfers.
Dato’ Azhar further underscored Malaysia’s role as a gateway to ASEAN countries, while highlighting Pakistan’s strategic position as a link to Afghanistan and Central Asia. He emphasized the significance of the Karachi port as a vital hub for regional trade, connecting landlocked countries like Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics (CARs) to global markets. According to him, the partnership between Malaysia and Pakistan extends beyond bilateral ties, serving to connect entire regions.
He further highlighted that Malaysia and Pakistan were among the first Muslim countries to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2007. He expressed optimism that enhancing cooperation between the two nations holds immense potential, with no limits to the possibilities for collaboration. The High Commissioner expressed great anticipation for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit in October 2024, viewing it as a pivotal moment for expanding ties in various sectors.
