On Saturday, 17 June 2023, His Excellency Ambassador Mohammad Azhar Mazlan undertook a working visit to Mardan in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. He was accompanied by his spouse, Madam Amelia Amani Lee Abdullah, along with the Home-Based Staff of the High Commission and their respective family members.
Upon arrival in Mardan, Ambassador Azhar visited the Abdul Wali Khan University, where he toured the main campus and held discussions with Mr. Irfan Ullah, Assistant Professor in the Department of English. During the university visit, the delegation had the opportunity to explore the on-campus museum, appreciating a glimpse of the region's heritage.
The delegation was then received by the Honorable Himayat Ullah, Mayor of Mardan, at a local restaurant for tea. The Mayor provided the delegation with a comprehensive briefing on the rich culture and history of Mardan, including its economic potential. The delegation then visited the ancient Buddhist Monastic Complex in Takht-i-Bahi. This historical site allowed them to appreciate the cultural significance and architectural marvels of the region.
After the visit, the Mayor formally held a welcoming ceremony in honour of Ambassador Azhar and the delegation at Pakhtoon Khawa House, where he expressed his deepest appreciation for Ambassador Azhar's visit to Mardan as it opened doors for cooperation in tourism, economics, and people-to-people relations between Malaysia and Mardan. In his reply, Ambassador Azhar emphasized that Mardan has the potential to be developed and introduced to the world as the cradle of Buddhist civilization. He added that Mardan could promote peaceful coexistence among cultures, religions and global community. This is the positive narrative of which Mardan and its surrounding areas has to offer to the world.
Subsequently, the delegation visited the Capital Diagnostic Centre for Visa Applications and Mardan Sugar Mills (one of the oldest and biggest in the region), gaining more insights into local economic establishments. Ambassador Azhar was also interviewed by the local news agency, where he expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome by the Mayor and the people of Mardan, and stated that his visit was a valuable opportunity to engage with the local government and community, learn about the region's history and culture, and foster closer people-to-people ties between Malaysia and the district of Mardan. The working visit was a success considering the immense goodwill that exists between Malaysia - Mardan District.
