Pakistan, Malaysia Call for Gaza Ceasefire, Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

APP

Kuala Lumpur: Pakistan and Malaysia have jointly called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the blockade, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

The demand came in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s three-day official visit to Malaysia from October 5 to 7, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, education, defence, and technology.

Focus on Gaza and Global Humanitarian Issues

Prime Minister Shehbaz held wide-ranging talks with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on October 6. The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the genocide in Gaza and the plight of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

“Pakistan and Malaysia stand united in supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” the statement said.

Both countries also stressed the importance of humanitarian aid delivery, civilian protection, and a permanent resolution based on pre-1967 borders.

Boosting Trade and Economic Partnership

The two leaders agreed to revitalise the Joint Commission Meeting at the foreign minister level and reaffirmed the effective use of the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) to boost trade.

Malaysia expressed intent to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan, while Pakistan will begin exporting 0 million worth of halal meat to Malaysia under a new arrangement. The two sides also vowed to cooperate in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and digital transformation, including artificial intelligence.

At the Pakistan–Malaysia Business and Investment Conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that the private sector must drive economic growth, pledging full government support through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

“Governments can only lay the foundation and provide a framework; real progress must come from enterprise,” Shehbaz said.

Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim assured Pakistani investors of smoother regulatory cooperation and greater ASEAN integration.

The current bilateral trade stands at

.4 billion, but both sides acknowledged that it remains below potential. They also highlighted the role of the 100,000-strong Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia as a key bridge for business and cultural ties.

Academic Recognition for Shehbaz Sharif

During his visit, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership and Governance on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his “decades of public service and reform leadership.”

In his acceptance speech, Shehbaz described leadership as a “sacred trust” that must be exercised with honesty and justice. “The Muslim world must reclaim its strength through unity, integrity, and service to humanity,” he said.

IIUM’s Constitutional Head Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah praised Shehbaz’s contributions to education and governance, calling him “a leader whose work transforms lives and communities.”

Expanding Defence, Connectivity, and Tourism Cooperation

The two sides expressed satisfaction over ongoing defence collaboration through the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) and agreed to expand cooperation in defence technology and industry.

They also agreed to enhance aviation connectivity, explore healthcare and pharmaceutical partnerships, and promote tourism, particularly ahead of Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Shared Commitment Against Islamophobia and for Regional Peace

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combat Islamophobia, welcomed the UN’s appointment of a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, and supported Afghanistan’s stability and humanitarian relief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also expressed Pakistan’s full support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, lauding its leadership in promoting regional peace and prosperity.