H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Azhar Mazlan undertook an Official Visit to Buner Peshawar, Swat, and the Torkham Border of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province from 23-25 May 2023. Ambassador Azhar was accompanied by Mr. Nor Hazwan Bin Mohd Hisham, First Secretary, Col. Noraripin Bin Othman, Defence Adviser, Mrs. Norwati Binti Majudi, Immigration Attaché, Mr. Nor Azuan Bin Haji Ayub, Third Secretary and Mr. Suhaibi Bin Ab Razak. Assistant Immigration Attaché of the High Commission.
During his brief visit to Buner, Ambassador Azhar had a Town Hall Session with more than 200 people who have close connection with Malaysia. Many of whom could still speak Bahasa Melayu. He held an open discussion with them and heard in detail about their issues. The High Commissioner assured them of full cooperation in resolving their issues related to passports, identity cards, and other consular matters. The High Commissioner advised the Malaysian community to share their problems with the relevant officials of the High Commission so that their issues could be resolved.
The delegation also visited Landi Kotal and the Torkham Border on 25 May 2023. The High Commissioner and his team were warmly received by former Member of Provincial Assembly of KPK, Hon. Bilawal Afridi, Tehsil Chairman Mr. Shah Khalid Shinwari, Haji Sher Afridi, and local elders. In order to learn more about the historical and strategic significance of the Khyber Pass and the Pak-Afghan border, Ambassador Azhar traveled to the last hilltop Michini checkpoint. The significance of the Torkham Border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was explained to him by the local administration during his visit to the Zero Point of the Torkham Border.
The Official Visit was successful and achieved its goal, as the main objective of the visit was to provide consular, immigration and welfare services directly to the Malaysian community in the region. The visit was also extensively covered by the electronic, print and social media in Pakistan.
