Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dato’ Muhammad Azhar bin Mazlan has said that Pakistan and Malaysia share a longstanding common historical heritage, with the two countries enjoying close and cordial relations.
Speaking at a dinner hosted in Islamabad to mark Malaysia’s 69th Independence Day, the Malaysian High Commissioner said that Pakistani Justice Abdul Hameed had been a member of the committee that helped finalize the Malaysian Constitution.
He said more than 100,000 Pakistanis were currently residing in Malaysia, while over 5,000 Pakistani students were studying at Malaysian universities. The High Commissioner noted that Pakistan-Malaysia relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2019, reflecting the growing depth and scope of bilateral ties.
The reception also featured stalls set up by Malaysian universities, providing information about educational opportunities and institutions in Malaysia.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, who was the chief guest, said Malaysia was an emerging economy in Southeast Asia. He added that Malaysia’s digital transformation reflected the foresight of its leadership.
The national anthems of Pakistan and Malaysia were played at the beginning of the event, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. Malaysian artists also presented traditional music and dances on the occasion, which were greatly appreciated by the guests and participants.
Reporter: Anwar Abbas