EDITORIAL: The visit of Malaysia’s Paramount Ruler … will contribute greatly to the furthering of the close ties that already exist between these two Islamic countries. … Comparatively young as an independent nation, Malaysia’s cultural and historical traditions are over a thousand years old and are deeply influenced by Islam. Not only this common bond of religion but also the logic of international political and economic developments have brought the two countries close to each other. Both achieved independence from British colonial rule after a protracted struggle … both are placed in a geographical region whose strategic location and consequent political importance have played a key role in the shaping of the two countries’ foreign policies. …

As developing countries of the Third World, both Malaysia and Pakistan share common problems and aspirations. … Above all, both countries have played and intend to continue to play a vital role in fostering solidarity among the Muslim countries. The visit of the Paramount Ruler … [speaks] of the brotherly feelings that the people of Pakistan and Malaysia cherish for each other. … There is great scope for extending these relations in various fields.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024