President Zardari calls for stronger PAKISTAN-MALAYSIA cooperation in security

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Malaysia in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, narcotics control and efforts to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Malaysia’s Home Affairs Minister, Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Interior and Narcotics Control Minister, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, also attended the meeting.

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, Ibrahim Darus, Director of Special Branch, Royal Malaysia Police, and Deputy Commissioner General Rehabilitation, Malaysian Prison Department Hafidz Othman also accompanied the visiting Minister, among others.

President Zardari said Pakistan attached great importance to its “close and fraternal” ties with Malaysia, which he said were based on shared faith, culture and strong people-to-people relations.

The president welcomed progress in institutional cooperation, particularly in internal security, immigration and legal and judicial matters.

He said greater coordination between the two countries’ institutions would help facilitate their citizens and address issues of mutual concern.

The two sides also discussed ways to increase bilateral trade. President Zardari called for greater access to the Malaysian market for Pakistani products, including rice, potatoes, wheat, poultry and animal feed.

The visiting Minister informed the President that 2026 marks the 69th year of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Malaysia, which were established in 1957 following Malaysia’s independence. He also informed that 14 flights per week currently connect various cities of Pakistan with Malaysia and that efforts are under way to further increase the frequency of flights.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed confidence that the visit would contribute to strengthening institutional ties and further deepening the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia.