Pakistan, Malaysia deepen security cooperation as ministers hold talks
Interior ministers agree to boost intelligence sharing and establish joint working group
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, illegal immigration and cybersecurity, as Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail held talks with senior Pakistani officials.
Saifuddin, accompanied by Malaysia’s ambassador to Pakistan and a high-level delegation, met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The two sides discussed regional security dynamics and matters of mutual interest, reaffirming their longstanding bilateral ties. Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to deepening defense cooperation and strategic engagement with Malaysia.
Earlier, Saifuddin held a one-on-one meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad, followed by delegation-level talks.
The interior ministries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to strengthen institutional cooperation and enhance intelligence sharing against terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The two sides also discussed cooperation between Pakistan’s National Police Academy and the Royal Malaysia Police College, as well as coast guard cooperation and training programs.
Naqvi said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Malaysia’s experience in the Coast Guard sector. He also called for greater legal migration opportunities for Pakistanis and easier visa procedures to promote tourism and people-to-people contacts.
The two countries agreed that a high-level Pakistani delegation would visit Malaysia soon to advance bilateral cooperation.
Senior Pakistani officials, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Interior and senior security and law-enforcement officials, attended the talks.
