Malaysia and Pakistan Urged to Reignite Ties with Stronger, Forward-Looking Policies : PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysia and Pakistan to revitalize their long-standing bilateral relationship through a more aggressive, dynamic, and forward-looking policy framework, emphasizing the need for practical cooperation rooted in clear strategies and mutual economic interests.

Speaking at the Pakistan Malaysia Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, held in conjunction with the official visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Anwar said that while ties between both nations remain warm, they have “somewhat stagnated” and require renewed energy and focus.

“It is time that we wake up and embark on a more aggressive policy for our own survival. Malaysia is a trading nation  we must strengthen our existing partnerships while opening up new avenues, and Pakistan is among the key countries we look forward to engaging with,” Anwar said.

Also present at the event were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Deputy Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and industry, highlighting the potential for new growth areas and partnerships between businesses in both countries.

Anwar underscored that Malaysia and Pakistan share rich cultural, educational, and intellectual ties but said that future cooperation must be driven by economic pragmatism. He stressed the importance of political stability, consistent economic policies, and efficient decision-making mechanisms to ensure timely execution of joint initiatives.

“We have traditional trade relations, but we realise that dependency on one country or one system will be futile. Hence, Malaysia must expand its trade horizons and work towards building a strong and formidable ASEAN  in trade, in investment, and in shared prosperity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the vital role of the private sector in driving sustainable economic growth and unlocking the full potential of Malaysia–Pakistan cooperation.

“Governments can lay the foundations and provide enabling frameworks, but it is the private sector that must drive the engines of growth. Businesses should be led by entrepreneurs and experts, while governments act as catalysts to promote business and create a friendly environment,” he said.

Shehbaz also encouraged Malaysian and Pakistani companies to explore joint ventures, business-to-business partnerships, and technology collaborations, noting that increased private sector participation would enhance regional competitiveness and innovation.

He further emphasized that Pakistan offers a strategic gateway to the Gulf and global markets, presenting significant opportunities for Malaysian firms seeking regional expansion.

“Through Pakistan, we can jointly access Gulf markets on competitive terms. With our combined efforts, we can unlock new horizons in trade, investment, and industrial collaboration,” Shehbaz said confidently.

Both leaders concluded the session by reaffirming their shared vision of a stronger Malaysia-Pakistan partnership, anchored in mutual economic resilience, innovation, and cooperation across sectors.