Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday informed his Malaysian counterpart that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in Afghanistan but continues to face “cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.”
In a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the prime minister emphasized that Afghan authorities must take immediate and effective measures to dismantle terrorist networks operating on Afghan soil, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
During a state visit by the prime minister in early October, the two leaders resolved to revive bilateral cooperation and move towards a more aggressive and forward-looking policy, including the possibility of collaboration under the umbrella of the ASEAN economic bloc.
“He reaffirmed that Pakistan had agreed to a temporary ceasefire at the request of the Afghan authorities to facilitate dialogue in Doha, and underlined the importance of tangible action against all terrorist entities, including Fitna-al-Khwarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, TTP and BLA, to restore peace and stability along the border,” the statement added. PMO.
Ibrahim, expressing concern over the developments, offered to play a constructive role in “reducing tensions and restoring peace and stability in the region.”
The two leaders also discussed other regional developments and Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed the Indonesian Prime Minister on his participation in the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Agreement in Sharm-el-Sheikh. The two leaders said at home that it would “help immediately end the suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.”
At the end of the call, both leaders agreed to stay in touch.
During a state visit by the prime minister in early October, the two leaders resolved to revive bilateral cooperation and move towards a more aggressive and forward-looking policy, including the possibility of collaboration under the umbrella of the ASEAN economic bloc.
In a joint statement issued after their bilateral meeting in Indonesia during Shehbaz’s visit, both the prime ministers expressed satisfaction with the strong and continuing defense collaboration under the Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation (JCDC) established in 1997.
Anwar and Shehbaz also agreed to explore collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical devices with the aim of improving public health and trade exchanges in these sectors.
Pakistan and Malaysia maintain strong economic, religious and cultural ties. In April, Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim said Pakistan’s investments in Malaysia had increased to around $397 million; In May, Senate President Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur’s collaboration in addressing challenges facing the Islamic world, such as Islamophobia.
