Islamabad, August 21, 2026: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Friday received Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail at Parliament House, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia relations across political, economic, parliamentary and people-to-people spheres.
Welcoming the Malaysian minister, Gilani described Pakistan-Malaysia relations as deep-rooted, brotherly and cordial, saying the ties were anchored in shared religious, cultural and historical bonds as well as strong people-to-people contacts.
The Senate chairman stressed the need to translate the two countries’ excellent political relations into greater trade and investment, business-to-business cooperation, education, defence collaboration and parliamentary engagement.
He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographical location and its potential to serve as a gateway for Malaysian businesses seeking access to Afghanistan, Central Asia and western China. He said enhanced connectivity could create new opportunities for regional trade and economic cooperation.
Gilani welcomed the signing of the Treaty on the International Transfer of Prisoners and expressed hope for further progress on the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
He also invited Malaysian investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), while highlighting the potential for bilateral cooperation in the semiconductor sector.
The chairman underscored Pakistan’s young population and skilled human resource potential as important assets for future economic cooperation. He also appreciated the steady progress achieved in Pakistan-Malaysia defence relations.
The Malaysian interior minister thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality and reaffirmed Malaysia’s desire to further expand bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Both sides expressed their shared resolve to deepen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Malaysia through enhanced parliamentary, political, economic, educational, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
