PM Imran Khan finds a new fan in Malaysian first lady

E-Paper | October 01, 2026

PM Imran Khan finds a new fan in Malaysian first lady

Dawn.com Published November 22, 2018

(L-R) Malaysian First Lady Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Malaysia counterpart Mahathir Mohamad pose for a photo.

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As Prime Minister Imran Khan wrapped up his two-day official visit to Malaysia on Wednesday, it became evident that the former World Cup-winning captain has fans all around the globe.

A video clip from a photo op during the premier's visit shows the Malaysian first lady, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, turning to Khan and asking: "Prime minister, can I hold your hand?"

"Sure," Prime Minister Khan replies with a smile, prompting laughter from those in the audience, and from his counterpart Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

As Khan holds her hand, nonagenarian Siti Hasmah is seen gleefully posing for the photo.

As the premier's visit came to an end, the Malaysian prime minister saw him off at the airport, following which Khan departed for Pakistan.

Prime Minister Khan is the first head of government to visit Malaysia since Mahathir Mohamad became prime minister for a second time earlier this year.

According to PTI's official Twitter account, Khan during the visit held a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart during which "both leaders held fruitful & in-depth discussions, which took place in a warm & cordial atmosphere".

Mohamad earlier thanked Prime Minister Khan for visiting Malaysia and expressed optimism regarding increased bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the future.

"I am confident that your visit will spur greater cooperation and exchanges between our two countries and peoples, and our two regions," he wrote, addressing Khan.

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han

Nov 22, 2018 01:10am

This is the true leader. A real star power.

Recommend 0

siva D

Nov 22, 2018 01:24am

When a true hero is the PM, this is what can happen. I am not sure if IK will be able to address all of Pakistan's problems but this much is sure; he was a true Pakistani hero with worldwide following - for the way he played cricket for his country and the way he built the Shaukat Khanum hospitals!

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Jawad

Nov 22, 2018 01:26am

He is trying his best

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Akram

Nov 22, 2018 02:07am

That's my PM !!! Proud of Kaptaan.

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Kas

Nov 22, 2018 02:16am

@siva D, Yes, now the Pakistani people needs to support him and his team to deliver the the foundation for the country to grow!!!

Recommend 0

Riaz

Nov 22, 2018 03:25am

After a long time feeling proud to be a Pakistani because of PM Khan. We wish he could change Pakistan.

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Amjad Durrani Engineer USA

Nov 22, 2018 03:27am

Though Malaysia is in financially better state than Pakistan, both of the leaders came to power under identical circumstances, following their predecessors being accused of massive corruption of public funds & undergoing accountability process. Unlike Pakistan, Malaysia though a small country with 52% ethnic Malayan, has a substantial population of Hindus, Chinese and other minorities, who live together peacefully & contributing towards progress & prosperity of their homeland. Our PM has very rightly assumed that if he is able to replicate Malaysian success story, both financially & socially in Pakistan, he can address & eventually solve many of our self afflicted problems, created through myopic & self serving policies of our past political leadership dividing us into Baluchis, Pustoon, Sindhis & Punjabis, instead of Pakistani. One can hope that our future friendly financial cooperation will accrue dividends. Similarly cultural exchanges will contribute healthy changes in our youth.

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Endnote

Nov 22, 2018 03:29am

I am lovin' it!

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Ahmed

Nov 22, 2018 03:29am

Beautiful.

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Ayesha

Nov 22, 2018 03:40am

Glamor and glitz are ok but won't last forever. Let us see results please. Time is flying by.

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justice

Nov 22, 2018 03:47am

This is what happens when you are one of those who have not looted money and seen as pure and gentleman .Proud of my PM.

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Masood

Nov 22, 2018 04:21am

Awesome representation abroad !!

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Love Pakistan

Nov 22, 2018 04:55am

Well done Sir...Alhamdulillah we have been blessed with an excellent leader.

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Rohail

Nov 22, 2018 05:39am

What a proud moment! Hopefully opposition and other corrupt politicians get something out of this!

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Dr. Farhat H. Siddiqi

Nov 22, 2018 06:23am

IK make us proud around the world, An educated, sophisticated, well spoken, dashingly handsome & a patriotic Pakistani who loves Pakistan & has always brought pride to his country.

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farouq omaro

Nov 22, 2018 06:31am

I would have liked to meet him and his entourage, unfortunately, I am in East Malaysia (Borneo) and looks like Khan Sahab won't be coming here. Anyway hope it would be a fruitful visit for Pakistan.

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malik

Nov 22, 2018 06:34am

He must find more as he is loosing millions in pakistan.

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Daanish

Nov 22, 2018 07:30am

Our PM Khan is our leader. Nation is proud of him. InshahAllah we will Win world cup again by making Pakistan Great Again

Recommend 0

Ahmed Malik

Nov 22, 2018 07:53am

More action and less talk would be nice. His supporters will soon have to start judging him on his performance as a PM and not the person who won the WC.

Recommend 0

Salman

Nov 22, 2018 08:34am

Respect for the first lady .yes Imran Khan is a born leader

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Bajake Thokde

Nov 22, 2018 08:50am

Where is First Lady of Pakistan?

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Masood (TX).

Nov 22, 2018 08:50am

People every where recognize an honest and hard working leader.

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mykhan

Nov 22, 2018 09:04am

Nation must stand now to support IK otherwise there is no hope of revival. General public in other governments had been suffering and if IK is not supported then we will continue to suffer.....

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Nasir

Nov 22, 2018 09:31am

Thanks Malaysia for giving IK outstanding respect!

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ajith

Nov 22, 2018 09:52am

Where is the pakistani first lady?

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iffi

Nov 22, 2018 09:56am

SALUTES to the two great leaders ...

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saurabh

Nov 22, 2018 10:07am

Excellent.

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Zak

Nov 22, 2018 10:09am

Malaysia is a natural ally. Good visit.

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Zak

Nov 22, 2018 10:10am

@ malik, at present you seem to be the only one. Good luck

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Zaid Ahmad

Nov 22, 2018 11:01am

@siva D, U r correct..Truth is Truth.

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hand in hand.

Nov 22, 2018 11:17am

Don't remember any first, second or third lady ever asking Nawaz for his hand !!!.

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arhia

Nov 22, 2018 11:43am

@siva D, Agree with you.

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Anonymouseeeee

Nov 22, 2018 12:14pm

Pakistan Malaysia brothers for life.

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shafiq

Nov 22, 2018 12:36pm

This is what a true leader is about. Great man and a great leader..

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SAB

Nov 22, 2018 01:06pm

Well, finally a lighter uncontroversial moment for PMIK

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Amir- DFW Area, Texas

Nov 22, 2018 01:29pm

Love and respect to Malaysian First Lady. She is awesome

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Pak_UK

Nov 22, 2018 02:15pm

Beautiful. We need more and more cooperation among countries.

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Imran

Nov 22, 2018 02:23pm

@Riaz, never gonna happen !!

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khan

Nov 22, 2018 03:07pm

Siti Hasmah is like our mother and we as pakistanis are thankful to malaysian hospitality.

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shan

Nov 22, 2018 03:21pm

@ajith, IK is not pulling his family in to any sort of media or politics.

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Vijay B.

Nov 22, 2018 03:38pm

The Pakistanis here seem to be so exhilarated by this little gesture of friendship, affection and acceptance extended to their PM by the cheeky first lady of Malaysia. As said so aptly by the Beatles "Everybody needs somebody to love. Do you have somebody to love?"

Recommend 0

Nov 22, 2018 03:45pm

Some people here, are very easily to entertain. One nice picture do not change the reality. Big effort, and from everybody is needed.

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Bilal Khan

Nov 22, 2018 03:55pm

This is the power and charisma of a true leader!

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Shaibaaz

Nov 22, 2018 04:31pm

@Jawad, Yes and Pakistanis must support him and not elect Zardari's & Sharif's again....

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Syed Waqar Ali

Nov 22, 2018 05:16pm

It appears Prime Minister of Malaysia and his wife were so much impressed by Pakistani PM that they themselves came to the airport to see off Mr. Imran Khan.

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aisha

Nov 22, 2018 06:07pm

We love the Malaysian PM and his lovely wife.

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Neshi

Nov 22, 2018 06:14pm

Meetings started and ended with warmness. But how much Malaysia committed. Any news.

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DesPak

Nov 22, 2018 08:05pm

Thank you Siva D.. such positive attitude deserves appreciation

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Imtiaz Ali Khan

Nov 22, 2018 08:10pm

@Amjad Durrani Engineer USA, Such beautiful words your fellow Pakistani brother from Sindh. Saeen I love you. Shukria.

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Abbasshah

Nov 22, 2018 08:32pm

A hotshot PM Pakistani cricket super star of the yore .Good going.

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bhaRAT©

Nov 22, 2018 09:05pm

@hand in hand. , It was the other way around with Kim Barker.

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kks

Nov 22, 2018 09:20pm

Congratulations . Excellent move to grow relations with a friendly country like Malaysia. There is so much opportunity to develop exports from Pakistan to correct an adverse balance of payment due to edible oil imports. Well done Sir

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N. Rahim, Toronto

Nov 22, 2018 10:53pm

@Jawad, Well put. This is all that is expected of a human. Try your best and leave the rest to the Almighty. Not the other way round, steal as much as you can and leave nothing to stand back on.

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N. Rahim, Toronto

Nov 22, 2018 11:01pm

@Imran, Yes Pakistan will change. It only needs to sustain what they are doing right now.

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Hameed

Nov 22, 2018 11:15pm

@ajith, why do you worry.

Recommend 0

Adil108

Nov 22, 2018 11:21pm

Thanks the First Lady to make the environment so good and pleasant. Wonderful leaders.

Recommend 0

Nasir khan

Nov 23, 2018 12:52am

@Ayesha, respectfully, what specific results you were expecting to see in only 100 days. I guess, his critic want him to fix all the problems like a magician with some mythical wand.

Recommend 0

Bharat

Nov 23, 2018 12:53am

He is one of our better leaders Modi travelled a lot on the beginning . This livens up connections round the world. The peop. The people in the other countries start to take an interest in Pakistan, and increases the ease of possible future investments. Living out of a suitcase is not the nicest way of living . It is uncomfortable after the novelty has worn off With IK the novelty of travelling worn off a long time ago . Pakistan has found a good and real leader at last

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Dilawar

Nov 23, 2018 01:49am

Imran is the last hope —a true and honest leader,

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Shazad

Nov 23, 2018 03:09am

@Ayesha, He's only been in power a few months. You need to give him time before you start counting the months and years. Be patient and also join his movement if you want to make a difference. Its not just his responsibility to make a difference. Every Pakistani has to play their part including you.

Recommend 0

Chinpaksaddique

Nov 23, 2018 03:23am

Our PMIK is like a magnet. He has attracted so many. Best wishes

Recommend 0

saytheturth100

Nov 23, 2018 04:50am

Excellent!! he is making friends all over the world to better Pakistan, what more can we ask of him.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Nov 23, 2018 02:54pm

Welcome to the global fan club of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Keep it up and hang on tough.

Recommend 0

Alam

Nov 23, 2018 04:26pm

Thumps up. Mr. Prime Minister Imran Khan

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Amjad Durrani Engineer USA

Nov 23, 2018 08:54pm

@Imtiaz Ali Khan, Thank you brother. Being from a marginalized community of a backward area and that too with a humble background, I support all those who make efforts to change destiny of our 80% people perpetually suffering due to poverty and impoverishment caused by past corrupt and self serving rulers. I respect and second your sincere feelings for our beloved country and its people. Stay safe.

Recommend 0

Suresh, India

Nov 24, 2018 11:51am

It is nice to see the meeting of intelligent leaders for peace and prosperity for their countries and world in general.

Recommend 0

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