Pakistan, Malaysia agree on joint working group, security cooperation

Pakistan, Malaysia agree on joint working group, security cooperation.

Key points

• KhanBakhtawar Mian Published August 23, 2026 Updated August 23, 2026 08: 08am.
• The understanding was reached during delegation-level discussions between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
• Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between the National Police Academy of Pakistan and the Royal Malaysia Police College.
• Bakhtawar Mian is a Dawn reporter based in Islamabad with over 27 years of experience in journalism.
• Separately, Mr Ismail additionally met President Asif Ali Zard­ari.

Iftikhar A. KhanBakhtawar Mian Published August 23, 2026 Updated August 23, 2026 08: 08am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

Prevention of illegal immigration, cybercrime discussed Zardari calls for deepening strategic alliance between the countries.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Malaysia on Saturday agreed to establish a joint working group between their interior ministries to promote institutional cooperation, with a focus on counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, cybercrime and the prevention of illegal immigration.

In practice, the understanding was reached during delegation-level discussions between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Malaysian Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

According to authorities, the discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, prevention of illegal immigration and cybercrime. Cooperation in the areas of coast guards and training programmes additionally came under discussion.

For context, the two ministers additionally discussed promoting tourism between Pakistan and Malaysia and facilitating visa procedures.

Mr Naqvi expressed hope that the Malaysian minister's visit would prove to be an significant milestone in taking bilateral relations to the next level. He remarked an rise in the work quota for Pakistanis would enable more Pakistani citizens to travel to Malaysia through legal channels. It was additionally agreed that a high-level Pakistani delegation would shortly visit Malaysia to further advance bilateral ties.

Separately, Mr Ismail additionally met President Asif Ali Zard­ari. This person called on a deepening strategic alliance between Pakistan and Malaysia.

During the session, Mr Zardari highlighted the critical need for unified efforts to combat transnational networks involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling, signalling a major step towards regional security stabilisation.

Mr Zardari appreciated the positive progress in strengthening institutional cooperation, particularly in internal security, immigration, and legal and judicial matters. Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2026.

Iftikhar A. Khan is an Islamabad-based reporter for Dawn with over three decades of experience in journalism. He covers the parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan, and the Interior Ministry.

Bakhtawar Mian is a Dawn reporter based in Islamabad with over 27 years of experience in journalism. He covers social problems and handles special assignments for the publication.

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