ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to establish a joint working group between their interior ministries to strengthen institutional cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime and the prevention of illegal immigration.
The understanding was reached during delegation-level talks between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in Islamabad.
The two sides discussed measures to enhance cooperation against security threats and transnational crimes. Counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics operations, cybercrime and illegal immigration were among the key areas discussed during the talks.
The establishment of the joint working group is expected to provide a structured mechanism for officials from both countries to coordinate on shared security concerns and exchange expertise.
Pakistan and Malaysia also agreed to expand cooperation between the National Police Academy of Pakistan and the Royal Malaysia Police College.
The proposed collaboration could facilitate greater exchange of knowledge, professional training and policing expertise between the two institutions.
The ministers also discussed measures to promote tourism between Pakistan and Malaysia and improve visa facilitation for travellers from both countries.
Naqvi said the Malaysian minister’s visit would help take bilateral relations to a new level.
He also expressed hope that an increase in the work quota for Pakistani citizens would provide greater opportunities for people to travel to Malaysia through legal channels.
The two sides further agreed that a high-level Pakistani delegation would visit Malaysia in the near future to continue discussions and advance bilateral cooperation.
Zardari Calls for Joint Action Against Human Trafficking
Separately, Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail met President Asif Ali Zardari, who called for further strengthening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Malaysia.
During the meeting, President Zardari stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle transnational networks involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
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He welcomed progress in institutional cooperation, particularly in internal security, immigration, and legal and judicial affairs.
