- Three-day official visit to Kuala Lumpur aims at expanding cooperation in IT, halal industry, education, and digital economy
- Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim welcomes Premier Shehbaz with royal protocol in Kuala Lumpur
- High-level talks to cover trade, IT, halal industry, digital economy, and education sectors
- Agreements and MoUs expected to be signed in multiple areas of cooperation
- Pakistan eyes greater access to ASEAN markets, especially halal meat exports.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Malaysia on Sunday for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s bilateral trade and investment ties, particularly in emerging sectors such as information technology, the halal industry, and the digital economy, according to state media.
According to state broadcaster PTV News, the prime minister was received at Kuala Lumpur’s Banga Raya International Airport with royal protocol by Malaysian Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, and other senior officials. He was later escorted to his official residence, where he was welcomed by his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is being welcomed by Prime Minister of Malaysia H.E. Anwar Ibrahim as he arrives in Kuala Lumpur on an official visit.#ShehbazinMalaysia
(5 October, 2025) pic.twitter.com/SOc2ifwFO0— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 5, 2025
“This visit will further strengthen Pakistan–Malaysia bilateral relations,” PTV News quoted the prime minister as saying. “I am extremely delighted to be in Malaysia and express my gratitude to the prime minister for the warm reception.”
وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف ملائیشیاء کے سرکاری دورے پر کوالالمپور پہنچ گئے
کوالالمپور کے بنگا رایا بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈے پر ملائیشیاء کے وزیر اطلاعات /کمیونیکیشنز عزت مآب فہمی فادضل ، ملائشیاء میں تعینات پاکستانی ہائی کمشنر سید احسن رضا شاہ اور سفارتی عملے نے وزیراعظم کا استقبال… pic.twitter.com/3lj6l6cKxX— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) October 5, 2025
The visit, part of Islamabad’s broader push for export-led growth, comes as Pakistan seeks to attract new investment and markets to recover from a prolonged economic crisis that had brought it to the brink of default two years ago.
“I am delighted to be in Malaysia on an official visit at the invitation of my dear brother Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Deeply appreciate the very warm welcome accorded to me and looking forward to cordial and constructive bilateral engagements with PM… pic.twitter.com/Aao5gSWu09— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) October 5, 2025
In a post on X before his departure, PM Shehbaz said he looked forward to “a comprehensive exchange of views on our common desire to enhance trade and economic engagement as well as bilateral cooperation in various fields.” He added that global and regional matters of mutual interest would also be discussed.
I will be undertaking an official visit to Malaysia 5-7 October on the invitation of my dear brother Prime Minister @anwaribrahim .Greatly looking forward to a comprehensive exchange of views on our common desire to enhance trade & economic engagement as well as bilateral…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 5, 2025
According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, other federal ministers, and senior officials. Talks between the two prime ministers will focus on cooperation in trade, IT and telecommunications, investment, education, energy, infrastructure, halal industry, and the digital economy.
“The leaders are expected to witness the signing of agreements and MoUs for cooperation in several existing and new sectors,” the FO said in a statement, describing the visit as a reflection of the “strong and enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia, rooted in mutual respect, shared interests, and close cooperation across a wide range of sectors.”
PR No.3⃣0⃣0⃣/2⃣0⃣2⃣5⃣
Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to Malaysia (5-7 October 2025)https://t.co/nxSTdyrufw pic.twitter.com/UG92avV0CO
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 4, 2025
Malaysia is one of Pakistan’s key partners in the ASEAN region and a leading supplier of palm oil to the country. During the visit, both sides are expected to explore new opportunities to boost Pakistan’s exports, especially halal meat, which remains a largely untapped area of bilateral trade. Last month, PM Shehbaz directed his administration to formulate a plan to enhance exports to Malaysia, citing “enormous potential” in the food and agriculture sectors.
Pakistan and Malaysia established diplomatic ties in 1957, soon after Malaysia’s independence, and have since cooperated closely in multilateral forums such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Commonwealth. In April, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Pakistani investments in Malaysia had reached about $397 million, while in May, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani highlighted the two countries’ collaboration in combating challenges faced by the Islamic world, including Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departs to Malaysia for an official 3-day visit.
(Lahore, 5 October 2025) pic.twitter.com/x7euRsk4gH
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 5, 2025
“The visit underscores Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia,” the FO statement added. “It also reaffirms the importance both countries place on working together to promote peace, stability, trade and investment, and sustainable development.”
AlhamdoLilah, Prime Minister @CMShehbaz with delegation reached Kuala Lumpur for two days official visit to Malaysia. He was received by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on arrival at the hotel. pic.twitter.com/epiWrVpWg8
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) October 5, 2025
Meanwhile, on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued separate messages reaffirming the government’s commitment to support the teachers’ community. They paid tribute to teachers as “custodians of knowledge and values,” with the prime minister urging both federal and provincial governments to improve teachers’ professional skills and ensure their economic well-being.
This year’s World Teachers’ Day theme — “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession” — highlights the transformative potential of collaboration for teachers, schools, and education systems.
