The Malaysian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday assured Pakistan that all their citizens here would be treated equally and well taken care of during the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein told his counterpart in Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, that Malaysia would do its best to ensure the safety and well-being of all Pakistani nationals here.

Hishammuddin said this in a telephone conversation with Makhdoom Qureshi on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by the ministry in Putrajaya, both ministers also agreed to work together to bring home any stranded nationals as soon as possible.

“Hishammuddin requested the Pakistan government to help ensure all Malaysians there are given the necessary assistance and ease of movement to take a special Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Islamabad bound for Kuala Lumpur this Saturday (April 11),” read the statement.

Hishammuddin also affirmed that the Malaysian government would extend necessary assistance in the repatriation process of over 300 Pakistani nationals that would take the PIA flight back to Pakistan.

“Both ministers also agreed that it was crucial for Malaysia and Pakistan to work together to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate its devastating impact."

Earlier, Qureshi congratulated Hishammuddin on his appointment as the Foreign Minister.

They also spoke about regional and international issues of mutual interest and common concern.

Finally, both ministers also expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the assistance rendered during this challenging time.