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PAKISTAN, MALAYSIA VOW TO DEEPEN BILATERAL COOPERATION ACROSS MULTIPLE SECTORS Tuesday, 7 October, 2025 | 13 Rabius Sani, 1447
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PM WELCOMES MALAYSIA’S DECISION TO IMPORT HALAL MEAT WORTH $200 MILLION FROM PAKISTAN
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 90 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PM ANWAR IBRAHIM STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF PEACE BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND INDIA
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BOTH LEADERS REVIEWED PROGRESS IN PAKISTAN–MALAYSIA BILATERAL TIES AND EXPLORED NEW AVENUES FOR COOPERATION KUALA LUMPUR staff report
AKISTAN and Malaysia on Monday vowed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, education, and regional peace. Speaking at a joint press conference at the Perdana Putra Complex, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, reiterated their resolve to work together for achieving the desired goals. PM Shehbaz expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Malaysia for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations during his ongoing official visit. “Our relations have strengthened over time, and I thank the people of Malaysia for their heartfelt welcome,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz. “Malaysia is like a second home to us.” During their discussions, the leaders reviewed progress in Pakistan–Malaysia bilateral ties and explored new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors. PM Shehbaz lauded Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s vision and leadership, calling him “a leader of remarkable qualities.” He also welcomed Malaysia’s decision to import halal meat worth $200 million from Pakistan, describing it as a major step toward expanding economic engagement. “We will continue to expand halal meat trade with the passage of time,” Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan seeks to pursue
joint ventures to benefit from Malaysia’s technological and industrial expertise. Addressing the press conference, PM Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of peace between Pakistan and India, noting that stability in South Asia was crucial for the entire region. He also assured that Malaysia would extend full cooperation in combating terrorism. In a symbolic gesture, PM Shehbaz praised his counterpart’s newly launched book, saying it would “serve as a bridge between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur.” Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was given a guard of honor as he arrived at the Perdana Putra Complex—Office of the Malaysian prime minister. The national anthems of Pakistan and Malaysia were played as both the leaders stood at the salute dais. The smartly
Pakistan to join regional powers at Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan today ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan will take part in the 17th Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan, with Special Representative on Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq Khan leading the country’s delegation to the high-level talks in the Russian capital. Sadiq, who also serves as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Minister of State, departed for Moscow on Sunday. The meeting, set to begin Tuesday, will bring together senior representatives from Pakistan, Iran, China, and Russia to discuss regional security dynamics and the evolving situation in Afghanistan. According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan plans to urge the international community to step up humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people, emphasizing that sustained engagement and aid are essential to regional stability. The participating nations are expected to reaffirm their joint opposition to the establishment of any foreign military bases in Afghanistan, underscoring the need for Afghan-led solutions to security challenges. Pakistan will also raise concerns over the presence of terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, pressing for concrete action to dismantle recruitment networks, weapons supplies, and financial channels linked to cross-border militancy.
dressed contingents of the Malaysian armed forces presented the guard of honor to Prime Minister Shehbaz. Later, both the leaders introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding for the one-on-one meeting and the delegation-level talks to review Malaysia-Pakistan bilateral ties and explore new areas of collaboration in multiple sectors. PM Shehbaz said during the press conference with Ibrahim that Pakistan wanted to “join hands” with Malaysia for mutually beneficial projects that allowed for expertise from the two countries to come together. PM Shehbaz began his media talk by thanking Ibrahim on behalf of the people of Pakistan for extending an exceptionally warm welcome to the visiting delegation
and called the country a “second home”. “This is my first visit to your great country but believe me, ever since we arrived here last night, I [see] familiar faces — very cordial, very warm — as if we have known each other for ages and that stems from sincerity of purpose and very true friendship. It’s like a family reunion,” he said. “The way you are focused on building your great country into one of the strongest economies in the region and around the globe speaks volumes about your leadership skills, vision, and dynamism,” the premier said. PM Shehbaz said that he and Ibrahim had “very productive discussions,” and they had covered a wide range of matters pertaining to bilateral relations and other international matters during a meeting held prior to the joint presser. “I am very happy that our views converge on almost all important issues,” he said. He further said that the Malaysian premier’s visit to Pakistan last year was memorable in terms of further cementing bilateral relations. “Today, I am very happy that you have expressed your vision [on] how to build our economic and trade relations, how to promote joint ventures, how to encourage investment […], how we can benefit from your vast experience in technology, artificial intelligence and other areas of economic growth where Malaysia has done remarkably well,” he said, adding that Pakistan stood to benefit from Malaysian experience in these areas.
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Pakistan moves to secure release of ex-senator Mushtaq held by Israel ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Foreign Office (FO) said on Monday that the government was making diplomatic efforts for the safe evacuation of former Jamaati-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained by Israeli forces last week after they intercepted a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza. Mushtaq was leading the Pakistani delegation on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) — a 45-vessel convoy that set sail from Spain last month to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, which included activists and politicians such as Greta Thunberg, was intercepted as it neared Gaza’s waters, and those on board were detained. In a statement, the FO said Pakistan’s embassy in Amman was working “tirelessly” to ensure Mushtaq’s safe release and repatriation. “With the invaluable assistance of the Jordanian government, we are hopeful that the process can be successfully concluded within the next couple of
days,” it said, expressing gratitude to Jordan for its “exemplary cooperation and generous support.” Pakistan, along with several other countries, had earlier condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the flotilla. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called for the immediate release of all those detained, praising the “dignified participation” of Pakistani activists, including Mushtaq, in the humanitarian mission. “The government of Pakistan strongly demands the return of its citizens, praying and striving for their safety, dignity, and earliest possible return to the homeland,” the prime minister said in a post on X.
He also told JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman in a phone call that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had been tasked with coordinating efforts for Mushtaq’s release with friendly countries and international organisations. A day earlier, the FO had confirmed through diplomatic channels of a European country that Mushtaq was “safe and in good health” in Israeli custody and would be presented before a court in accordance with local legal procedures. “Upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis,” it added. Prominent lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir noted on X that other flotilla participants detained during the Israeli raid were receiving a hero’s welcome upon returning home, expressing hope that Mushtaq would soon receive the same. Israel has a record of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. In June, its forces intercepted the Madleen, another aid vessel carrying activists and journalists attempting to deliver relief supplies to Palestinians under blockade.
Pakistan establishes 18-member body to boost economic ties with Saudi Arabia ISLAMABAD news Desk
Pakistan has set up an 18-member committee to lead economic engagements and negotiations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a notification issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday. The committee will be co-chaired by Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik and the National Coordinator for the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ahmad. The notification stated that the co-chairs would form core and negotiation teams to work with their Saudi counterparts, ensuring swift execution of assigned tasks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that all travel proposals for committee members between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia be processed and approved within one hour on the same working day. The committee includes Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Power Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Communication Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, among others. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share long-standing relations grounded in economic cooperation, strategic partnership, and shared faith. The kingdom remains a vital economic ally, providing both financial support and energy supplies to Islamabad. In February, Riyadh extended a $1.2 billion deferred oil facility to Pakistan, releasing $100 million monthly until February 2026. Islamabad is also pursuing a rollover of $5 billion in Saudi loans, maturing between December 2025 and June 2026, at a concessional rate of four percent. A Saudi business delegation, led by Prince Mansour bin Mohammad alSaud, is expected to arrive in Pakistan this week to initiate investment talks. Early plans may involve about $1 billion in investments, potentially through a new joint fund aimed at deepening economic collaboration.
Raza Rabbani urges government to brief parliament on ‘new US policy’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Former Senate chairperson Raza Rabbani has called on the federal government to immediately brief parliament on what he termed its “new US policy,” expressing concern over reported deals involving rare minerals and a possible plan to offer Pasni Port to Washington. In a statement issued on Monday, Rabbani said the government had failed to take parliament and the public into confidence regarding the evolving relationship with the United States. “It is the right of the people to know the details and direction of foreign policy. In history, the US has never been a reliable friend to depend upon,” he stated. Referring to media reports about a minerals deal with US Strategic Metals (USSM), Rabbani said it was “unfortunate” that such critical information had surfaced through the media rather than official channels. He stressed that the provinces — the “real stakeholders” — should have been consulted through the Council of Common Interests, noting that Article 172 of the Constitution grants provinces a 50 percent share in mineral resources.
President Zardari summons Mohsin Naqvi to Karachi as PPP-PML-N war of words heats up ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday telephoned Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the tense relations between the PPP and the PML-N, following a tirade exchanged by leaders of both parties, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He urged the interior minister to visit Karachi immediately to help resolve the matter. However, the major opposition party— Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)—has downplayed the tensions between the two major coalition partners. Former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaisar on Monday urged the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leadership to file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif if the differences between the two parties were indeed significant. Sources in the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) claim that party President Nawaz Sharif has backed Maryam Nawaz in the ongoing dispute between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Punjab government. The sources say that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a meeting with the former prime minister, discussed the dispute and said that if Maryam Nawaz avoids harsh state-
ments, the PPP will also observe a ceasefire. Nawaz Sharif, however, the sources claimed, backed his daughter Maryam Nawaz and said that the “Punjab chief minister’s statements are a reaction to the People’s Party’s undue criticism. “Maryam Nawaz has truly represented the people of Punjab,” Nawaz Sharif was quoted telling the prime minister. The PML-N sources said that Nawaz Sharif decided to back Maryam after a scathing press conference by Sindh’s Information Minister Sharjeel Memon on Sunday and criticism of CM Punjab by PPP leaders led Nawaz Sharif to back his daughter. The row between two political allies has further heated up after it, the sources added. Earlier, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari made it clear that CM Maryam Nawaz won’t apologize to anyone for her statement. Reacting to the demand of PPP for apology, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said Maryam Nawaz would not apologize for her remarks during a recent public gathering. She also referred to the issue of the Cholistan water canal, saying Punjab stepped back despite protests from Sindh. “PPP should focus on its own work and let PML-N do its job,” she asserted.
Bukhari strongly rejected calls for an apology from the Punjab CM. “Why should Maryam Nawaz apologize for working for the rights of Punjab. People praise Lahore’s development; they should turn Karachi into Europe too”. PPP MNA Ali Qasim Gilani said that although the party did not engage in politics of division and hatred, still if someone would point fingers at the party leadership, he and others would respond. Addressing a press conference in Lahore with PPP Central Punjab, Gilani said that the Punjab government had crossed the “red Line” on several occasions. “We have not entered into an agreement with the provincial government that we will always heap praise on it,” he ssaid andadded that the situation had come to a pass that now it appeared as if the PPP was in the opposition. He further said that he and other PPP MNAs and MPAs enjoyed the mandate of the people of the province. He also lamented that inappropriate language was used against the first lady of Pakistan. “The PPP is going to distribute the ration worth Rs2.50 million among the flood-hit people.” Gilani lamented that on September 25, Punjab CM Maryam used inappropriate language against the Sindh government. “Can
anybody tell me, was it the PPP or the PMLN whose leadership took the lead in the use
of offensive language against each other?” he questioned.
Rift widens as PPP stages walkout from NA, Senate ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Pakistan Peoples Party staged walkouts from both the Senate and the National Assembly, demanding an apology from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership over what it described as “disparaging remarks” against its top figures. During the Senate session on Monday, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the country was facing devastating floods, affecting millions across Sindh and Punjab. “Instead of strengthening the people in this difficult time, we are weakening them through political rhetoric,” she said. “The war of words between the Punjab and Sindh governments is hurting the federal coalition.” Rehman criticised what she called the “use of the Punjab card,” saying the red line was being crossed. “Making inappropriate remarks about Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto is unacceptable,” she added.
“Even Punjab has PPP representation. Bilawal merely suggested using the Benazir Income Support Programme to help flood victims. Government alliances cannot survive on the basis of humiliation. An apology does not diminish anyone’s dignity.” She added that the PPP had always advocated for climate justice, noting that southern Punjab had been devastated by floods and crops destroyed. “I am ashamed to even repeat the words that were used,” she said. “If an apology is not offered to our leadership, we should not be taken for granted.” Following her remarks, PPP senators tore up copies of the agenda and walked out of the session. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed regret over the situation, saying, “If anyone’s words have caused hurt, I feel sorry as a political worker. President Zardari is a senior statesman and will play a conciliatory role.