Daily Times

Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahatir Mohamad was on a three days historic visit to Pakistan for not only gracing Pakistan Day as “Guest of Honor” but also to explore endless possibilities for Malaysia and Pakistan to build further the relations on solid footings. Dr. Mahatir was also given Pakistan’s highest civil award-Nishan-e-Pakistan for his outstanding contribution as a strong leader for the Muslim world and enhancing Pakistan-Malaysian relations to the level of friendship that both countries enjoy today. During the visit, Pakistan and Malaysia signed Memorandum of Understanding on five important different projects, Joint Ventures and Trade agreements wherein Malaysia intends to purchase state of the art JF-17, a fighter Jet, rice and Halal meat from Pakistan. Conversely, Malaysia signed worth $900 million deals in telecom and information technology in which both countries would cooperate over the coming years. A Joint Venture of Proton Motors of Malaysia and Pakistan’s Al-Haj group is agreed leading to the production of Proton car in Pakistan which remains the center piece of this landmark visit of Dr. Mahathir Muhammad. It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister of Malaysia gifted a car manufactured by Proton Motors to Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan. Moreover, both of the countries agreed to open branches of their leading banks in each other countries. Pakistan perceives the success of this visit as a gateway to ASEAN countries for more diverse trade markets such as Singapore and Thailand.

Keeping in view the significance of the age of the interdependence, states are operating in multilateral international system with convergences of interests in lined with the emerging trends in the global milieu. Pakistan and Malaysia are no exception with having potential to be a trading partner and likely to engage more in a time to come but their true potential lies in multilateral trade relationship across the ASEAN. Geographically, SAARC lies in direct proximity with ASEAN which highlights the potential of intra-regional trade but unfortunate inactiveness of SAARC is major hindrance. The SCO is another regional organization in the backyard of ASEAN, which if combined with SAARC, constitutes whole continent of Asia. The emerging Asian economic philosophy is multilateralism whereas its potential lies in close partnership and cooperation. The states should engage with each other at regional level to fully exploit the trade potential and collective benefits.

The joint communiqué of both the leaders holds significance in its own diplomatic protocols and the message it conveys to the rest of the world. It is critical when Pakistan is facilitating Afghan Peace Process. It is an eye-opener for the US when it expressed its intentions to recognize Golan Heights of Syria under jurisdiction of Israel

Moreover, Imran Khan appreciates Malaysia the way it has transformed and fought against the menace of corruption and how Malaysia tackled economic crisis in Southeast Asia in 1998. It is the time, when Pakistan is facing economic problems and menace of corruption as well to tackle the way Malaysia did. Both Malaysia and Pakistan with having the potential can dominate the global world politics. A significant political fact on the Asian horizon manifests that Malaysia and Pakistan both are partnered with China in Belt and Road Initiative at the epicenter of Pacific and Indian Ocean, a major maritime transit route.

The joint communiqué of both the leaders holds significance in its own diplomatic protocols and the message it conveys to the rest of the world. It is critical when Pakistan is facilitating Afghan Peace Process. It is an eye-opener for the US when it expressed its intentions to recognize Golan Heights of Syria under jurisdiction of Israel. It is a sense of realization in Muslim world when Muslims are victims of terrorism by a group of white supremacists and no one speaks while a violent act by single Muslim is blamed to whole 1.3 billion Muslims. There is also need to uplift the Muslim world with the power of knowledge and source of science and technology. Both Pakistan and Malaysia can practically play this important role. This historic visit could be a consoling and binding force for the Muslims with a potential to bridge the gaps between East Asia, South Asia and in extension Middle East. The political clout of this visit is equally significant as its economic dividends.

The Foreign Direct Investment by Malaysia is part of Imran Khan’s effort to attract and boost investment in Pakistan to overcome current account deficits and balance of payment squeeze. In addition to it, the production sites will facilitate Pakistani youth for employment opportunities, what the government has promised. Apart from Malaysia, Pakistan bagged billions of dollars in credit and investments including China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

It is the right time to invest in Pakistan as Pakistan is opening up its economy, easing visa regime including E-Visa and visa on arrival applicable to multiple entries. This move is intended to boost economic activity, seek investments and promote tourism in Pakistan. To achieve this end, Pakistan and Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partially abolish visa requirements on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Kula Lumpur, Malaysia. Pakistan is also interested in knowledge of Malaysia regarding tourism to revive local tourism industry of Pakistan. Mr. Imran Khan has publicly acknowledging the progress of tourism industry in Malaysia and vowed to bring Pakistan at par with advanced tourism destinations including Malaysia and Turkey. Both states have immense potential and this can be effectively utilized in the near future.

The writer is Director, Instituted of Peace and Diplomatic Studies