DNA
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador. Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan delivered a lecture at Quaid-e-Azam University, one of the premier universities in Pakistan. Upon arrival, Amb. Dato’ Azhar and his delegation were warmly received by Professor Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, lecturers, and staff.
During the insightful session, Amb. Dato’ Azhar highlighted the robust Malaysia-Pakistan bilateral relations, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, tourism, and the vital people-to-people connections that bind the two nations. He elaborated on how these elements have strengthened the strategic partnership, fostering mutual growth and understanding. The session was attended by academicians, staff, and about 120 students from the international relations discipline.
The presentation also covered various aspects, focusing on Malaysia’s foreign policies, emphasising its role within ASEAN, and Malaysia’s commitment to regional stability and development, among others. Additionally, Amb. Dato’ Azhar highlighted the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), which plays a crucial role in capacity building and development cooperation between Malaysia and Pakistan.
A significant portion of the lecture was dedicated to promoting educational opportunities in Malaysia for Pakistani students. Amb. Dato’ Azhar stressed that Malaysia offers a conducive environment for students, with state-of-the-art facilities and globally recognised education standards, all within a Muslim-friendly setting. He proudly noted that, as of 2024, nearly 5,000 Pakistani students are pursuing their studies in various higher education institutions across Malaysia.
His Excellency’s lecture not only provided valuable insights into the dynamic relations between Malaysia and Pakistan but also inspired students to consider Malaysia as a destination for higher education. The event concluded with a lively Question-and-Answer session, where students had the opportunity to engage directly with the High Commissioner, with questions on Palestine-Israel war, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Jammu & Kashmir and neutrality between superpowers were posed by the students, further enriching their understanding of the topics discussed.
Following the lecture, attendees had an opportunity to indulge in the rich flavours of Malaysian cuisine as they were served with Nasi Lemak & Ayam Goreng (coconut rice and fried chicken), a popular Malaysian delicacy, symbolising the culture exchange and friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan. This initiative was part of a cultural promotion aimed at introducing the students to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Malaysia.
The session is part of the ongoing efforts by the High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad to strengthen bilateral ties through educational and cultural exchanges within institutions of higher learning in Pakistan, fostering people-to-people contact between Malaysia and Pakistan.
