On 12 November 2026, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, together with his spouse, To’ Puan Amelia Amani Lee Abdullah, hosted an Appreciation Hi-Tea at the High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad. The gathering brought together members of the diplomatic corps, Pakistani government officials, business leaders, representatives of think tanks and friends of
Malaysia.

The event was held to express appreciation to the High Commission’s partners and
stakeholders for their continued friendship, support and cooperation over the years, while
providing an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen personal and professional
relationships.
In his welcoming remarks, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Azhar described the gathering as more than
a gesture of appreciation, emphasising that it also reflected Malaysia’s belief in building
a better world through peace, progress and prosperity.
He underscored that these principles have long guided Malaysia’s foreign policy,
particularly its commitment to peaceful coexistence, dialogue, negotiation and the
peaceful resolution of disputes. He encouraged those present, representing different
countries, institutions and communities, to continue promoting understanding and
cooperation despite differences in perspectives and backgrounds.
The High Commissioner also expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of
Pakistan for their warm hospitality and support extended to the High Commission and the
Malaysian community in Pakistan. He particularly acknowledged the cooperation
received from various Pakistani government institutions, including the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Interior, as well as provincial authorities.

Reflecting on recent diplomatic engagements, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Azhar highlighted the visit
by ASEAN Heads of Mission to Sindh, which included meetings with the Governor and
Chief Minister of Sindh, engagements with Karachi’s business community and
interactions with university students. He noted the importance of engaging younger
generations, particularly in understanding their perspectives on economic prosperity,
regional security and peace.
On Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations, the High Commissioner recalled the
longstanding friendship between the two countries, including Pakistan’s early recognition
of Malaysia’s independence in August 1957 and the elevation of bilateral relations to a
Strategic Partnership in 2019.
He also acknowledged the historical contributions of Pakistanis to Malaysia, dating back
to the period before independence, and recognised the role of the approximately 100,000-
strong Pakistani community in Malaysia in contributing to the country’s development.
Turning to regional cooperation, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Azhar commended the active role of the
ASEAN Committee in Islamabad in engaging with Pakistani authorities and stakeholders.
He referred to the Committee’s recent joint courtesy call on Pakistan’s newly appointed
Foreign Secretary, as well as the anticipated maiden visit of the ASEAN SecretaryGeneral to Pakistan later in November.
He highlighted ASEAN’s growing economic significance, particularly following the
inclusion of Timor-Leste as its eleventh member, and the considerable potential for closer
engagement between ASEAN and Pakistan. With ASEAN representing a combined
economy of approximately USD4 trillion and Pakistan possessing a population of around
250 million, he emphasised the opportunities for greater economic collaboration and
mutually beneficial partnerships.
The High Commissioner also took the opportunity to promote Malaysia as a destination
for tourism, education and business under the Visit Malaysia campaign, which has been
extended through 2027. He noted that Malaysia welcomed approximately 42 million
international visitor arrivals in 2025 and was targeting 47 million arrivals in 2026.

Acknowledging the growing interest among Pakistani travellers in Malaysia, he
encouraged more Pakistanis to explore the country’s diverse attractions, cultural heritage
and hospitality. He also recalled his participation as chief guest at an event organised by
the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kuala Lumpur, describing it as an
example of the close connections between the business communities of both countries.
In the education sector, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Azhar highlighted the presence of approximately
5,000 Pakistani students pursuing their studies in Malaysia, placing Pakistan among the
leading countries of origin for international students. He encouraged more Pakistani
students to consider Malaysia as their preferred education destination, citing the cultural
similarities, shared values and welcoming environment offered by the country.
The High Commissioner further identified the halal industry as another promising area for
bilateral cooperation. He highlighted Malaysia’s established halal ecosystem, expertise in
food technology and international experience in halal product development, which could
complement Pakistan’s strengths in agriculture and food production.
He expressed confidence that closer collaboration in these sectors would generate
tangible benefits for the economies and peoples of both countries.
Towards the conclusion of his remarks, H.E. Amb. Dato’ Azhar conveyed his appreciation
to the officers and staff of the High Commission for their dedication and hard work in
organising the gathering and the various diplomatic, economic and cultural activities
undertaken throughout the year.

Reflecting on the importance of continued engagement and mutual understanding, the
High Commissioner shared a quotation attributed to Albert Einstein: “Learn from
yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop
questioning.”
He then offered his own interpretation of the quotation, emphasising that “the important
thing is not to stop engaging and having dialogue with each other.” Through this reflection,
he encouraged all present to maintain open communication, respect differing
perspectives and continue working together towards a more peaceful and prosperous
future.
He concluded by extending his best wishes for peace, progress and prosperity to
Pakistan, Malaysia and all countries represented at the gathering.
Following the remarks, guests enjoyed refreshments and continued their conversations
in a relaxed and informal setting, providing an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces
and establish new contacts across the diplomatic, government and business
communities