Malaysian High Commissioner, Dato’ Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, delivered an inspiring academic lecture at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad.
He was accompanied by Mr. Mohammad Syafik Firdaus Bin Hasbullah, Counsellor, and Mr. Muhammad Zulasri Bin Rosdi, First Secretary.
The High Commissioner received a warm welcome from Maj Gen (Retd) Shahid Mahmood Kayani HI(M), the Rector of NUML. Faculty, staff, and students experienced a momentous occasion, as this marked the first visit of a Malaysian High Commissioner to NUML since its establishment.
Ambassador Azhar engaged the audience with a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s rich historical evolution, its flourishing economic sectors such as palm oil, semiconductors, aerospace, and the halal industry, as well as the strong bilateral relations with Pakistan.
He emphasised Malaysia’s significant role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, highlighting the nation’s dedication to regional stability, economic advancement, and improved ASEAN-South Asia collaboration.
The High Commissioner also highlighted Malaysia’s foreign policy priorities and provided details on the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), which serves as a fundamental aspect of development cooperation and capacity-building with Pakistan.
He disclosed that nearly 800 Pakistani officials have benefited from MTCP training programs in Malaysia, thereby strengthening connections and enhancing professional skills. Education was a key focus of the address.
Education opportunities in Malaysia for NUML students
Ambassador Dato’ Azhar encouraged Pakistani students to seek higher education opportunities in Malaysia, underlining its globally recognized academic standards and supportive educational environment.
Notably, by 2026, nearly 7,000 Pakistani students are expected to be enrolled in Malaysian universities.
Brig. Muhammad Rafique Khan, Director General of NUML, praised the High Commissioner’s visit, describing it as historic and highlighting its alignment with NUML’s mission to foster languages and intercultural understanding. He reiterated the university’s commitment to future collaboration with Malaysia.
