ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (DNA): Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday said Pakistan continued its proactive diplomatic outreach during the past week, marked by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s successful visit to Malaysia and a series of high-level engagements aimed at promoting peace, trade, and regional cooperation.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson made these remarks at his weekly media briefing here at the Foreign Office.
Ambassador Khan said that at the invitation of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to Malaysia from October 5 to 7, 2025, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and senior officials.
Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister was warmly received by his Malaysian counterpart, followed by an official welcome ceremony at Perdana Putra. The two leaders held extensive bilateral talks on October 6, covering trade and investment, defense, education, climate cooperation, and tourism.
“The visit marked an important milestone in Pakistan–Malaysia relations,” Ambassador Khan noted, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Malaysia’s decision to import halal meat worth 200 million US dollars from Pakistan, which he described as a “landmark step in expanding the halal trade partnership.”
During the visit, both leaders also launched the Urdu translation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book “Script for a Better Malaysia”, reflecting shared values of sustainability, inclusivity, and compassion.
Ambassador Khan said that the two sides also exchanged views on major regional and global developments, including the situations in the Middle East and South Asia. In their joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of regular high-level exchanges and agreed to reconvene the Pakistan–Malaysia Joint Commission at the foreign ministers’ level soon.
The Spokesperson highlighted that the leaders expressed satisfaction with ongoing defense collaboration under the Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation established in 1997 and agreed to enhance cooperation in defense science, technology, and industry.
Both leaders strongly condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza and reiterated unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur, inviting Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s growing market and business-friendly environment. Several agreements were signed in various sectors to boost cooperation.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also conferred with an honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance by Her Majesty Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Queen of the State of Pahang, in recognition of his leadership and governance vision.
Ambassador Khan said the visit reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Malaysia and working together to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.
Reviewing other developments, the FO Spokesperson informed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the National Assembly on October 3, apprising members of Pakistan’s engagement during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Senator Dar reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on Palestine and condemned the Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla* carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, terming it a violation of international law.
The Spokesperson said Pakistan had ensured the safety of former Senator Mushtaq, one of the activists aboard the flotilla, through diplomatic efforts that led to his safe return following detention by Israeli forces.
Ambassador Khan further stated that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister held telephonic conversations with his Saudi and Egyptian counterparts on October 4, discussing efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and the broader peace process in the Middle East. Pakistan welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire, appreciating the efforts of President Donald Trump and the leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for facilitating the agreement.
He added that Senator Dar also spoke with the Iranian Foreign Minister on October 1, reaffirming Pakistan–Iran cooperation in promoting peace and stability.
Highlighting other regional engagements, Ambassador Khan said the sixth session of Pakistan–Tajikistan Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Dushanbe on September 29–30, covering trade, energy, defense, and connectivity, including progress on CASA-1000.
He also noted that a high-level Saudi business delegation led by Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al-Saud visited Islamabad on October 7 and met with the Pakistani leadership to explore avenues for enhanced trade and investment under the Saudi–Pakistan Joint Business Council framework.
“These engagements reflect Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting peace and stability, and fostering economic growth across the region,” Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan concluded.
