Malaysia is a country where official religion is Islam. However, its constitution grants freedom of religion. Several religions co-exist in a complete harmony. Around 65% population is Muslims, and around 20% are Buddhists. Around 10% are Christians and remaining are Hindus and other religions.
Like Pakistan, Malysia was British colony and after independence joined Common wealth. It got independence from British on 31 August 1957. Total population is around 35 million and GDP around 445 billion US Dollars, with an area of 330803 Sq. KM.
Malysia and Pakistan share many things in common like religion, culture etc., and experienced similar problems and challenges. Pakistan established formal diplomatic relations with Malaysia since its independence in 1957.
Recent years, Pakistan Malysia relations have shown warmth. Especially the mutual visit of leadership of two brotherly nations frequently visits each other. Trade and economic cooperation have also shown sharp increase and collaboration in education, Science, Technology, Industry is also obviously enhanced.
At the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan paid an official visit to Malaysia from 5–7 October 2025. This was Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s first official visit since assuming office in March 2024. The visit reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity. Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Malaysia were elevated to the level of a Strategic Partnership in 2019. A framework both leaders are now determined to advance further. This visit is even more significant in the background of situation Gaza, where Muslim world is concerned and consulting with each other a joint strategy to achieve a real, sustainable, and long-lasting peace in the Middle East.
During the bilateral meeting held on 6 October 2025, the two prime ministers held detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, science and technology, agriculture, and tourism. They also exchanged views on key regional and global developments, including the situations in Palestine, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. The talks took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the strong mutual trust and shared aspirations of both countries.
Both sides underlined the importance of regular high-level exchanges to provide strategic direction for cooperation. It was agreed to reconvene the Joint Commission Meeting at the level of foreign ministers soon. Recognizing vast untapped potential in bilateral trade, both leaders committed to enhancing economic engagement through the Malaysia–Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), ensuring balanced and sustainable trade relations.
Malaysia expressed its intent to expand palm oil exports to Pakistan in response to the latter’s growing food processing and manufacturing sectors. Both countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in halal certification, promoting the halal industry through mutual recognition, best practice sharing, and developing halal-based manufacturing and food supply chains.
In the agriculture sector, both sides agreed to explore joint research and innovation for sustainable agricultural production. The leaders expressed satisfaction with ongoing defence collaboration, particularly under the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC), and agreed to deepen cooperation in defence technology and industry through knowledge and technology transfer.
The two leaders welcomed cooperation in education, vocational training, healthcare, renewable energy, and climate resilience. They emphasized the need to expand air connectivity to promote trade, business, and tourism. Malaysia’s upcoming campaigns — Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 — were identified as opportunities to attract more Pakistani visitors.
Pakistan has huge young work force and immense raw material for Industry. Malysia has edge over certain areas. Both countries complement each other and support each other in economic activities, leading toward prosperity.
On regional and international issues, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. They called for restraint and responsible conduct in conflict zones, highlighting the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Both sides strongly condemned the genocide in Gaza, calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. They also reiterated support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, emphasizing engagement with its interim authorities, combating terrorism, and protecting human rights.
Both leaders condemned Islamophobia and xenophobia in all forms and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect among civilizations. They welcomed recent UN resolutions and the appointment of a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia as crucial steps toward addressing religious hatred globally.
On diplomatic and political front, both countries enjoy comprehensive harmony and stand with each other on all important global issues. Both support each other on core issues. Both are playing significant role in the OIC.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep appreciation for Malaysia’s warm hospitality and lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visionary leadership, describing the visit as a milestone in deepening Pakistan–Malaysia relations. Both sides pledged to work together for a future marked by shared prosperity, technological innovation, and peace across Asia and the Muslim world. It is desired that the relations between two Muslim brothers may grow further and strengthen.
