PM Khan reaches Malaysia on two-day official visit, will meet Mahathir Mohammad

Dawn.comUpdated November 20, 2018

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Prime Minister Imran Khan is the first head of state to visit the Southeast Asian country since Mahathir Mohammad became Malaysia's PM. —Photo courtesy PTI's official Twitter account.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday night reached Kuala Lumpur on a two-day official visit of Malaysia, according to the official Twitter account of the government of Pakistan.

He was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister in the PM Office of Government of Malaysia.

According to the official Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Twitter account, the delegation accompanying him comprises Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, and Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood.

PM Khan, according to Radio Pakistan, is the first head of state to visit the Southeast Asian country since Mahathir Mohammad became the Malaysian PM for a second time earlier this year.

The prime minister and his Malaysian counterpart are expected to hold a one-on-one meeting before the two countries' delegations delve into detailed discussions.

The prime minister's visit to Malaysia will be the last of his trio of planned foreign visits since assuming the top office.

PM Khan has already been to Saudi Arabia and China, both of whom had assured him of financial assistance in the face of Pakistan's mounting balance of payments crisis.

On October 18, PM Khan and Malaysian PM Mahathir had held a telephonic conversation, in which the former had emphasised Pakistan's "close and cordial" relations with Malaysia.

PM Khan, highlighting the "need of high-level bilateral exchanges" between the two countries, had said that Pakistan and Malaysia should collaborate at an "operational level" so that they could benefit from each other's expertise.

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Comments (72) Closed

boby

Nov 20, 2018 06:22pm

....& PTI was crying when NS was traveling abroad.

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Joe

Nov 20, 2018 06:24pm

Malaysia will information Pakistan as to how they have managed to get out of Chinese debt trap.

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Swiss Neutral

Nov 20, 2018 06:42pm

Another attempt for loan?

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bkt

Nov 20, 2018 06:56pm

Why doesnt the government come down hard on imported goods so that we do not import so much? Why does the government insist on being the laughing stock of the region by going to countries who really dont want to help us unless they absolutely have to? Why doesnt the government take some bold steps to stabilize the economy and give it direction? Mr Khan would be better off making the Presidential palace a hotel and the whole government should move into the PM house, with every minister/advisor having a room so as to minimize expenses. The time for the big talk is over. We need action

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Just Saying

Nov 20, 2018 07:00pm

Maybe IK can learn from Mahathir how to handle China.

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Imran

Nov 20, 2018 07:20pm

@boby, Please avoid criticism just for the sake of criticism.

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Aryan

Nov 20, 2018 07:54pm

Is he traveling for more Loan

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Prateik

Nov 20, 2018 07:58pm

Malaysia itself is burdened with debt. It will not offer any loan to PMIK.

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Nov 20, 2018 08:18pm

@boby, of course PTI was crying and rightly so because NS always used to travel abroad with a mega delegation. Their sole purpose was to enjoy the hospitality at the expense of the tax payer and do their own private stuff. NS spent more time in London than visiting any other country. All paid for by you, me (assuming you pay tax) and other taxpayers.

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Kashmiri

Nov 20, 2018 08:22pm

First leader I have seen after long time who is really making some efforts. Only time will tell if his strategy is good and be fruitful.

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Siku

Nov 20, 2018 08:24pm

Again for financial aid?

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LARKANO

Nov 20, 2018 08:38pm

Few minutes ago came the news from BBC that IMF has denied loan to Pakistan. Is it true??

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Asifnaqvi

Nov 20, 2018 08:51pm

Mahatir is a legend. IK can learn alot from him. More than the dollars, IK can ask for Mahatir's suggestions about the ailing economy of Pakistan.

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bhaRAT©

Nov 20, 2018 08:57pm

@boby, "....& PTI was crying when NS was traveling abroad." Because NS spent weeks on end in UK and SA for personal reasons. Last working trip if IK to UAE was just one day. Big difference!

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Magnanimous approach

Nov 20, 2018 09:22pm

@boby, .Yeah PTI objections were right, as Nawaz Sharif visits were mere personal in nature for family benefits. The only one agenda for instant PM IK visit to Malaysia is gathering funds to be saved from IMF incursions.

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Baazigar

Nov 20, 2018 09:22pm

Better visit countries where export of Pakistani goods are possible.

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Pak_UK

Nov 20, 2018 10:38pm

I hope this open more doors of trade and services exchange.

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Aurora

Nov 20, 2018 10:48pm

Net out come will hover around increase in trade so that Pakistani exports could be increased to earn some dollars other wise Malayasia is not in a position to extend hard currency loans.

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Frkh

Nov 20, 2018 10:48pm

@Siku, this is a result of what NS and his goons have left Pakistan with.

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Sanjeev

Nov 20, 2018 10:52pm

Met by a Dy minister.What next?

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Qazi Rashid Manzoor

Nov 20, 2018 10:52pm

@boby, NS travelled only for sightseeing & fun, he was not capable to hold any meaningful dialogues that could benefit Pakistan. Can u recall any productive trips by NS ?

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Nov 20, 2018 10:54pm

Guard of honour welcome for PM Imran Khan - all this is done because of his integrity, dedication and determination to dispel corruption and black sheep from our society. The world has now realised the potential of Pakistan and giving new government a well deserved respect that previous PMLN and PPP governments failed to get because of their corrupt practices.

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Nis

Nov 20, 2018 10:55pm

What abt first 100 days no foreign visit jibe.

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Junaid

Nov 20, 2018 10:57pm

And that too on Pak Airforce plane

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Junaid

Nov 20, 2018 10:58pm

I will be traveling on PIA and save millions!

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Swiss Neutral

Nov 20, 2018 11:06pm

Hope PM will be courageous to make a U-turn and review all Chinese projects after meeting Malaysian PM

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Shaji

Nov 20, 2018 11:14pm

@Swiss Neutral, exctly

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Saleem

Nov 20, 2018 11:16pm

Good decision to strengthen relations with friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, UAE, and Malaysia.

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Ahmed

Nov 20, 2018 11:21pm

Sad to see negative comments. Maybe you really don't want anything good for Pakistan.

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Ranjha

Nov 20, 2018 11:27pm

@Swiss Neutral, No. Attempt to get expertise to get to ill gotten wealth hidden in Swiss Neutral accounts. Is that clear now?

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Tanny

Nov 20, 2018 11:29pm

@boby, at least IK is not looting the country.

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Abdul Jabbar

Nov 21, 2018 12:03am

@bkt, Don't worry! the present gov is coming hard on a lot of things and people. This is just the start of their tenure and everybody who had been sleeping for decades has suddenly gotten up and started to put his demand in front of it. For past 30 years or so no prime minister of Pakistan has ever got worried about the deteriorating state of the economy. Khan is the first PM since then who has really taken the responsibility of streamlining the things. I wish him well in all his endeavors.

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Babar

Nov 21, 2018 12:06am

@boby, it was always about entourage of 100 people that was the problem, the head of state will obviously make foreign trips

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Gaz

Nov 21, 2018 12:09am

@boby, Nawaz was not travelling on official visits he was travelling to London all the time for vacation and private trips.

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Khurram

Nov 21, 2018 12:10am

Our money shortage is over and with Malaysia we can have great trade ties. This trip is to boost trades. But Malaysia needs to treat us equal. To start with, PM Mahathir should have received PM Khan.

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wshaikh

Nov 21, 2018 12:25am

Received at the Airport by the Deputy Foreign Minister.

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Javed

Nov 21, 2018 01:03am

I hope he learns how to avoid U-turns from his mentor.

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Kas

Nov 21, 2018 01:09am

@boby, It’s NOT a holiday trip.... there are many common areas for working together as Muslim nations for the good of common person. Unity among Muslim Nations is a great start !!

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Lahori kid

Nov 21, 2018 01:18am

@boby, Man, can you not find the difference in when Nawaz Sharif traveled and when Imran Khan travels? Here's some reality for you PML-N supporters. If it weren't for PML-N and PPP destroying the country financially, Imran Khan wouldn't have to take these trips. In case you are wondering, let me enlighten you, Imran Khan is there working on doing business with other countries, in imports and exports, finding ways to increase our revenue, which helps some ungrateful citizens like you. You should be praying for his success, not bad mouthing him.

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Lahori kid

Nov 21, 2018 01:21am

@bkt, In order to stabilize the country and its economy, you need money, which the new government does not have, thanks to the previous governments. Unless of course if you know a way to stabilize your finances by looking in the mirror, or some magic wand.

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Nov 21, 2018 01:29am

@boby, Look at the body language of Malaysians and how they received him. Same in KSA and UAE. NS never commanded this much respect - Anywhere. He may have been PM but he was No leader.

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Khan

Nov 21, 2018 01:35am

@Swiss Neutral, yes. Any problem??

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JACKJONES

Nov 21, 2018 01:48am

@boby, NS is not capable of having conversations without a cheat sheet and certainly not about this topic. IK and team are trying their best to generate future trade and learn from countries that have done phenomenal. There is a huge difference between making trips for personal happiness versus betterment of the country as we all know. Personal happiness trips using people of pakistan funds is not acceptable and InshaAllah those perpatators will be punished.

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Humna Rani US

Nov 21, 2018 01:50am

Imran PM also intends to visit Canada, Japan, Germany, France, UK, Singapore and hopefully the USA. He will travel courtesy of the hospitality of PIA airlines and stay in PIA hotels. Reputedly they have each oferred him some financial aid. If all the offers materialize then maybe we will have no need for the IMF loans.

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Amjad

Nov 21, 2018 01:57am

@bkt, 100% agree. Forget everyone else and just stand on your own feet. Time has come to make tough decisions.

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PakistanZindabad

Nov 21, 2018 02:38am

@boby, stop crying, he is at least not taking 100s of friends on tourism on public expense

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milind dave

Nov 21, 2018 02:41am

I think Mr Khan has no clue how to resolve economy and approaching friendly country for money but at the same time he forgot that his govt is now negotiating with IMF and he gave another point to them how they will repay that amount just asking only 6 bn is not solve your problem but IMF will add all money which came from friendly country will be counted so chance of getting bail out from bank became more dearer

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M A MUJEEB, CANADA

Nov 21, 2018 02:44am

Prime Minister Imran Khan is not the Head Of State. He is Head of the Government. The president of Pakistan is the Head Of State.

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flying star

Nov 21, 2018 03:13am

@boby, the difference is =NS go abroad for his own business and to buy the castles

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flying star

Nov 21, 2018 03:14am

@Swiss Neutral, the nation need politic and economic relations

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flying star

Nov 21, 2018 03:16am

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azam khan

Nov 21, 2018 03:29am

@boby, Nawaz Sharif was travelling for personal gains. His family & his cronies used to travel with him in hordes, living in expensive hotels & spending taxpayer's money lavishly. Imran Khan doesn't do all that.

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Ayesha

Nov 21, 2018 03:37am

PM continues loan-seeking mission.

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A. Ahmed

Nov 21, 2018 04:06am

Technically, he's not head of the state but head of the government. In Pakistan, the president is called the head of the state.

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Just Saying

Nov 21, 2018 04:17am

@boby, there is a difference between travelling abroad for fun and for reading through a paper than traveling to improve relations, seek investment and only travel with a handful of people. With NS we saw the whole clan just there to have free lunch! The man is trying his best to improve the sorry state of affairs we find ourselves in and here we have people like you spreading negativity and pessimism. You should have a hard look at yourself in the mirror and find the answer to 'Is Imran Khan more qualified and honest to lead this nation or NS who has had three opportunity and still we find ourselves with 'balance of payment issue'.. and the list of issues which only the so-called experienced administrators left for this poor country.

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Swiss Neutral

Nov 21, 2018 04:19am

@Joe The big question is whether PM Imran Khan wants to come out of debt-trap. When in opposition, he criticized CPEC. After becoming PM, he made a U-Turn but won't make terms public. Does he have courage to make another U-turn? If he does, what credibility he will have.

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only for pakistan

Nov 21, 2018 04:59am

@boby - maybe you should check your facts first. NS in 6 months traveled all around the world with a army of people with absolutely no gain for the country. he was showing off his power. IK is visiting for 1 or 2 days and with only few ministers that are required with him. plus he is not using the private jet laced with luxury... there is a stark difference with IK vists vs NS visits..only if you people open your eyes !!

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Qudratol Wazir

Nov 21, 2018 05:20am

Nice looking Khan in Pakistani uniform. Probably first instance.

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The Morning Star

Nov 21, 2018 05:40am

@boby, : NS was money laundering!

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Shy Guy

Nov 21, 2018 06:12am

@Imran, at least no body is giving Dharma like IK. Now you have problem with verbal criticism also?

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javed

Nov 21, 2018 06:34am

@boby, Every trip by IK and his selective team has been productive and in the interest of Pakistan. Be real boby..

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Hwh

Nov 21, 2018 06:38am

@Joe, unfortunately that option is not available for Pakistan.

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Zak

Nov 21, 2018 06:41am

@boby, PTI 3 and PML-N 300. What comparison.

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Zak

Nov 21, 2018 06:42am

Another South East Asian country getting closer to Pakistan. IK is admired and respected by so many.

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Aviator

Nov 21, 2018 07:19am

He should have been received by Malaysian PM

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Nov 21, 2018 08:30am

Hope he learns something useful from malaysia. Like how to become a manufacturing hub, how not to fall into the Chinese debt trap etc

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Saad

Nov 21, 2018 08:39am

@boby, NS was traveling for personal reasons to save his looted wealth, every time from all corners of World, leaving Pakistan via London and coming back via London, just check his record, he asked FO, not to record my stays in London, a big liar.

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Jadun

Nov 21, 2018 09:21am

PTI cannot not replicate Mahatir's vision in Pakistan with the likes of Fawad Chaudrys, Sheikh Rashids and Jehangir Tareens.

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Zak

Nov 21, 2018 11:48am

@LARKANO, No, in principle they agreed but modalities have to be worked out.

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Zak

Nov 21, 2018 11:49am

@Just Saying, Nothing to learn about China but how to get rid of the corrupt from within the system , top to bottom.

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Zak

Nov 21, 2018 11:50am

@Prateik, Modi too should go to Malaysia as he too has $650 billion loan drowning his country.

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Pakistani1

Nov 21, 2018 12:36pm

Malaysia has its own problems which resulted in the reelection of Dr Mahathir . His advise on how to handle the corruption of his predecessor, balancing the relationship with China and the lessons learnt from fast economic development of Malaysia in the first term of Dr Mahathir will be valuable. Pakistan will benefit if it learns and applies the lessons.

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