Malaysia’s 68th Independence and 62nd Malaysia Day Commemorated in Karachi Reception

 By: Aziz Khatri

  KARACHI: The Consulate General of Malaysia in Karachi, in collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad, hosted a grand reception at the Marriott Hotel to commemorate the 68th anniversary of Malaysia’s Independence and the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia Day.

The event was honored by the presence of Honourable Mr. Syed Awais Qadir Shah, Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and Acting Governor of Sindh, as the Chief Guest. Also present were H.E. Dato’ Mohamad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, members of the diplomatic community, government officials, business leaders, academia, media, and friends of Malaysia.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Herman Hardynata Ahmad, Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi, highlighted the strong and enduring friendship between Malaysia and Pakistan. He noted that bilateral relations continue to thrive in key sectors such as trade, tourism, and education, with people-to-people links forming the foundation of close diplomatic ties.

Malaysia-Pakistan trade has remained robust, reaching USD 898 million (RM 4.04 billion) in the first seven months of 2025. The trade surplus grew by 15% to USD 358 million (RM 1.61 billion), largely driven by palm oil exports and a 12% rise in processed food trade.

Tourism and education are also flourishing fields of cooperation. Between January and June 2025, over 61,000 Pakistani tourists visited Malaysia, representing a 35.6% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 5,015 Pakistani students are enrolled in Malaysian higher education institutions, supported by 24 MoUs and scholarship programs.

Mr. Ahmad also praised the success of the recent “Jom! Malaysia Chalo!” exhibition in Karachi, which highlighted Malaysia’s strengths in education, trade, culture, and tourism, and included participation from ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This reflects Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025, promoting inclusiveness, sustainability, and regional friendship with Pakistan.

“The ties between Malaysia and Pakistan are built on friendship, faith, and mutual respect. As we celebrate Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day, we look forward with optimism to deeper cooperation and shared prosperity,” the Consul General said.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances, traditional Malaysian hospitality, and meaningful dialogue among diplomats, business leaders, and the Pakistani community, further strengthening the spirit of friendship between the two nations.