PM Shehbaz Sharif Concludes Landmark Visit to Malaysia; Pakistan and Malaysia Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday concluded a three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking a new chapter in Pakistan–Malaysia relations through enhanced economic cooperation, regional coordination, and shared commitment to global peace and justice.

Undertaken at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from 5–7 October 2025, the visit featured a wide-ranging bilateral agenda encompassing trade, investment, education, defence, and people-to-people ties. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, federal ministers, and senior officials.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, reaffirming the two nations’ historic bonds rooted in faith, shared values, and mutual respect. Both leaders agreed to broaden cooperation across multiple sectors — including IT, digital economy, halal industry, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and defence — while pledging to work jointly toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

Strong Stand on Palestine, Global Peace and Muslim Solidarity

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, Pakistan and Malaysia called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the blockade, and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians trapped in the conflict. The leaders strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, reiterating unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

The two sides also expressed grave concern over the plight of the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, urging sustained international engagement to ensure justice, protection, and safe repatriation.

Emphasizing the need for global unity against Islamophobia and religious hatred, both leaders welcomed the appointment of Miguel Ángel Moratinos as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia and reaffirmed their support for collective international efforts to promote tolerance and coexistence.

Expanding Economic, Defence and Technological Partnership

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade and investment ties, pledging to make full use of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) and expand market access. Malaysia expressed its intent to increase palm oil exports to Pakistan with a focus on environmentally responsible and sustainable supply chains.

Recognizing the growing global demand for halal products, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in halal certification, trade, and innovation. The two leaders also underscored the need for joint agricultural research, sustainable farming, and collaboration in renewable energy, climate resilience, and clean technology.

On the defence front, both countries expressed satisfaction over their long-standing cooperation under the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) established in 1997 and agreed to enhance collaboration in defence technology, industry, and military training.

They also decided to reconvene the Joint Commission Meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers to accelerate progress across all agreed areas.

Boosting Connectivity, Education, and People-to-People Exchanges

Highlighting the importance of connectivity, both sides agreed to expand aviation cooperation by increasing air traffic rights and exploring new flight routes to boost trade, business, and tourism. The two leaders welcomed greater collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, alongside new opportunities in education, technical training, and digital innovation.

Malaysia also extended a warm welcome to Pakistani visitors as part of its “Visit Malaysia 2026” and “Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026” campaigns, while both sides vowed to deepen cultural exchange and tourism promotion.

IIUM Confers Honorary Doctorate on PM Shehbaz

In recognition of his visionary leadership and contributions to nation-building, the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) awarded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance at a special convocation ceremony officiated by the university’s Constitutional Head, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

In his acceptance address, Prime Minister Shehbaz described leadership as a “sacred trust” that must be exercised with honesty, justice, and accountability. He dedicated the honor to the people of Pakistan and underscored his lifelong commitment to public service, education, and integrity. The Prime Minister also expressed hope that the distinction would pave the way for stronger academic and research collaboration between Pakistani universities and IIUM.

Shared Vision for Regional Peace and ASEAN

Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in Kuala Lumpur’s leadership in promoting regional integration, peace, and prosperity.

The two sides also stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, continued humanitarian engagement with its people, and preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorism.

Both leaders condemned all forms of terrorism and transnational organized crime, agreeing to enhance cooperation in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and intelligence sharing to tackle emerging challenges.