PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia – The state visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia has culminated in a significant push for an enhanced strategic partnership, highlighted by an announced deal for the import of $200 million worth of Halal meat from Pakistan. PM Sharif hailed the announcement by his counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, as a “welcome step” set to augment cooperation in the crucial Halal industry.
Following “most productive” bilateral talks in Putrajaya, PM Sharif affirmed the two leaders’ resolve to strengthen their “historic partnership,” focusing on boosting trade, investment, climate, defence, education, and tourism sectors.
Economic Cooperation and Assurance on Halal Exports
During a joint press conference, PM Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan wants to “join hands” with Malaysia for mutually beneficial projects, seeking to leverage Malaysia’s vast experience in technology, artificial intelligence, and economic growth.
Addressing the specific interest in meat exports, PM Shehbaz provided firm assurances on quality and regulation:
“I want to assure you that we will make all possible efforts to meet all your terms and conditions… this quota of exporting meat will be regulated by a market price mechanism and all Halal certification required by Malaysian custom and food authorities.”
He expressed confidence that the initial $200 million quota would see a “quantum jump” in the future. PM Ibrahim, in a lighter moment, acknowledged the persistent encouragement from his Pakistani counterpart to finalize the meat deal, welcoming the collaboration.
At the subsequent Malaysia Business Forum, PM Shehbaz stated that through joint efforts, Pakistan and Malaysia could “create a new market” and become potential suppliers to other countries, particularly utilizing Pakistan’s “youth bulge” through training in IT, AI, and modern skills.
Shared Vision and Geopolitical Alignment
The discussions extended beyond economics to encompass regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East and South Asia. PM Ibrahim stated he was “extremely appreciative” of Pakistan’s strong stance on the Palestine and Gaza issue. Both leaders reaffirmed a joint position in supporting efforts for a durable peace, including the cessation of “insane bombings and killings by the Zionist Israeli regime.”
Culturally, the leaders shared a deep admiration for the philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, reflecting on his message of faith and self-renewal that inspires the Muslim world. PM Shehbaz also launched the Urdu translation of PM Ibrahim’s book, Script, which details his vision for sustainability and innovation.
The visit, which included an impressive guard of honour for the Pakistani delegation, was described by PM Ibrahim as enhancing the friendship and opening “a new chapter of strategic cooperation” between the two nations, which already share deep economic, religious, and cultural ties.
