On 19 February 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, met with the newly elected President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sardar Tahir Mehmood, to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
The discussions focused on key sectors with strong potential for growth, including halal beef collaboration, pharmaceutical cooperation, edible oil trade, the IT industry, and the import of Pakistani basmati rice to Malaysia. Both sides acknowledged the importance of leveraging complementarities to expand trade volumes and facilitate greater private sector engagement.
The meeting also touched on the possibility of establishing a direct flight between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur via a Malaysian carrier, recognising that improved air connectivity would significantly enhance tourism, business exchanges, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The High Commissioner highlighted Malaysia’s readiness to share its expertise in development projects and infrastructure. He noted Malaysia’s involvement in highway construction initiatives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the development of Giga Mall in Rawalpindi, and Defence Raya Golf & Country Club. Malaysia is also engaged in the energy sector through TNB Remaco and in telecommunications infrastructure via edotco Group.
President Sardar Tahir Mehmood welcomed Malaysia’s continued engagement and expressed ICCI’s commitment to strengthening business-to-business linkages. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further enhance economic cooperation and bilateral relations between Malaysia and Pakistan.
