You are here

  • Home
  • Pakistan, Malaysia vow stronger defense ties amid evolving regional security challenges

Pakistan, Malaysia vow stronger defense ties amid evolving regional security challenges

Pakistan, Malaysia vow stronger defense ties amid evolving regional security challenges
Screengrab taken from a video shared by media wing of Pakistan Army on September 24, 2025, showing Chief of Defence Forces Malaysia, General Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam bin Hj Jaffar (second-left) receiving guard of honor from Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
Short Url

https://arab.news/bq3mv

Updated 4 min 52 sec ago

Pakistan, Malaysia vow stronger defense ties amid evolving regional security challenges

Pakistan, Malaysia vow stronger defense ties amid evolving regional security challenges
  • Malaysia’s chief of defense forces calls on top Pakistani general Sahir Shamshad Mirza
  • Both sides discuss evolving global, regional security environment, says Pakistan’s military
Updated 4 min 52 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Senior generals from Pakistan and Malaysia on Wednesday vowed to strengthen military-to-military ties in the light of evolving regional and global situation, Pakistan’s military media wing said in a statement.

Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed close ties ever since they established diplomatic ties in 1957. Both countries have strengthened cooperation in various sectors such as defense, trade, economy, manpower exports and education over the years. 

The discussions took place while Malaysia’s chief of defense forces, General Tan Sri Hj Mohd Nizam bin Hj Jaffar, visited the Joint Staff Headquarters in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi city. There he met General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Pakistan’s chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) and held discussions on the evolving global and regional security environment. 

“Both sides held comprehensive discussions on the evolving global and regional security environment and underscored the importance of exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation in defense and security domains,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani military’s media wing, said. 

“Both military leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the military-to-military relationship in the light of evolving regional security dynamics.”

Gen. Jaffar praised the professional standards of Pakistan’s armed forces and hailed their achievements in the fight against militancy, the ISPR said. 

Pakistan has sought to bolster its military ties with allies as regional tensions flare. The South Asian country earlier this month signed a landmark defense pact with , according to which an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both. 

The defense pact took place at a time of extreme volatility in the Middle East, where prolonged conflicts have heightened fears of wider instability, reinforcing the urgency Gulf states place on stronger security and defense partnerships.

It also happened as Pakistan’s tensions with India remain high, months after Islamabad reached a fragile ceasefire with its nuclear-armed neighbor after days of intense fighting in May that killed over 70 in both countries.

Topics: Pakistan Malaysia ties Pakistan Malaysia military ties

Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology says withholding tax on cash transfer, withdrawal ‘un-Islamic’

Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology says withholding tax on cash transfer, withdrawal ‘un-Islamic’
Updated 24 September 2025

Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology says withholding tax on cash transfer, withdrawal ‘un-Islamic’

Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology says withholding tax on cash transfer, withdrawal ‘un-Islamic’
  • Withholding tax is an advance payment of tax deducted at the time of economic activities
  • In its 243rd meeting, Council of Islamic Ideology describes withholding tax as an “excess“
Updated 24 September 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Wednesday declared that withholding tax on cash transfer and withdrawal is an “excess,” declaring it as “un-Islamic.”

Withholding tax (WHT) is an advance payment of tax deducted at the time of economic activities specified under certain sections of Pakistan’s Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and Sales Tax Act, 1990.

WHT on cash withdrawal or transfer is a tax that the bank automatically deducts on behalf of a customer when they withdraw money or transfer funds from their account. This tax is then deposited with the government on the person’s behalf.

“The council declared the withholding tax imposed on cash withdrawal or transfer to be an excess and therefore un-Islamic,” the CII said in a press release following its 243rd meeting. 

The CII is a Pakistani constitutional body that advises the government on whether laws are compatible with Islam or not. The CII meeting was chaired by the body’s head, Dr. Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi and other members of the council.

Other matters were also discussed during the meeting, such as the permissibility of the use of insulin containing pig-derived ingredients by diabetic patients. 

“The council resolved that when insulin prepared with permissible (halal) ingredients is available, the use of insulin containing pig-derived ingredients should be avoided,” the press release said. 

The council also considered a request from the religion ministry and agreed that a ringtone instructing citizens to respect banners, flags and buntings bearing sacred words and inscriptions during the Islamic month of Rabi Al-Awwal, will be prepared. 

Topics: Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Cash withdrawal

Pakistan’s Shaheen sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms

Pakistan’s Shaheen sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms
Updated 24 September 2025
AFP

Pakistan’s Shaheen sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms

Pakistan’s Shaheen sends Asia Cup warning as third India clash looms
  • Pakistan keep Asia Cup hopes alive after beating Sri Lanka by 5 wickets on Tuesday
  • Pakistan will have to beat Bangladesh on Thursday to qualify for Asia Cup 2025 final 
Updated 24 September 2025
AFP

DUBAI: Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has declared that his team will reach the Asia Cup final and can beat India if the arch-rivals clash again.

Pakistan kept their campaign alive with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

India and Pakistan have met twice in this edition of the regional competition but the neighbors have never played against each other in an Asia Cup final.

The regional tournament, played this time in the United Arab Emirates under the Twenty20 format, started in 1984 and this is its 17th edition.

Bangladesh, who face India on Wednesday and Pakistan on Thursday, stand in the way of the great rivals facing off in Sunday’s decider in Dubai.

India are holders and beat Pakistan in both previous matches, but Shaheen was in bullish mood after taking 3-28 against Sri Lanka.

“They have still not reached the final, when they do, then we will see them,” said Shaheen of India.

“We are here to win the cup, whichever team comes in the final we are ready to beat them.”

If both teams reach the final, India will once again start as strong favorites having won 12 of 15 T20Is between the two countries.

India have also won the last seven internationals against Pakistan since September 2022, four T20Is and three one-day internationals.

That sequence prompted India skipper Suryakumar Yadav to declare India-Pakistan “is not a rivalry anymore.”

In both wins for India in the UAE there were no handshakes, adding another layer to an already intense rivalry.

“It is his opinion that, let him say that,” said Shaheen of Suryakumar’s cutting comments.

“When they reach the final then will see. Our job is to win the Asia Cup, and we will make a complete effort to do that.”

Topics: 2025 Asia Cup

Pakistan eyes $30 billion in pharma exports over five years 

Pakistan eyes $30 billion in pharma exports over five years 
Updated 24 September 2025

Pakistan eyes $30 billion in pharma exports over five years 

Pakistan eyes $30 billion in pharma exports over five years 
  • Health minister says reforms easing approvals as industry posts 35% export growth
  • Industry leaders urge local vaccine production, independent trade body for exports
Updated 24 September 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s health minister on Wednesday set a bold $30 billion pharmaceutical export target over the next five years, vowing full government support for the sector at the 8th Pakistan Pharma Summit and 4th Pharma Export Summit & Awards (PESA 2025) in Islamabad.

The pledge comes as Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry posts strong growth, with exports rising by 35% in the past year to nearly $500 million, according to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA). 

The sector, which already produces more than 90 percent of the country’s medicines domestically, is now looking to expand into new markets such as Afghanistan and scale up to global standards through digitization, technology transfer, and regulatory reform.

“Although this is a challenging target, it is achievable with commitment and hard work,” Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal told the summit. “Let’s move forward and work round the clock to meet this target.”

He said Pakistan should aim higher given that some countries earn more than $300 billion from pharma exports. 

“The current figure of $475 million is a step forward, but not something to be satisfied with. We must think bigger,” Kamal said.

The minister said the government was removing bureaucratic hurdles by accelerating approvals and embracing digitization. 

“What used to take months or years to approve is now being cleared within weeks,” he said. 

Kamal also announced plans to upgrade Basic Health Units in Karachi and Islamabad with telemedicine facilities to deliver healthcare and medicines directly to communities.

On vaccines, the minister noted that Pakistan still imports 95 percent of its supply, mostly from neighboring countries, and urged industry to localize production. 

“There is dire and urgent need to develop indigenous capabilities for vaccine production. The pharmaceutical industry must step up to this challenge,” he said.

Industry leaders echoed the call for self-reliance and global competitiveness. 

PPMA Chairman Tauqeer ul Haq said exports could reach $500 million annually to Afghanistan alone but warned that 90 percent of raw materials are imported. 

He called for an independent trade body, PharmEx, to resolve industry challenges and boost exports. 

“Previously, we faced significant hurdles in export processes. Now, export registrations are being granted within a week, which is a major step forward,” he said, praising reforms by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

Former PPMA chairman Dr. Sheikh Kaiser Waheed said the $30 billion target was realistic if backed by government reforms. 

“While we already produce more than 90 percent of the country’s medicines domestically, the true test ahead is to compete globally on innovation, quality, and trust — not price alone,” he said.

DRAP CEO Dr. Obaidullah said the regulator was modernizing to align with international standards, noting: 

“Despite various challenges, the pharma industry in Pakistan is continuously growing and its exports witness an upward trend with each passing year.”

Topics: pharma exports pharmaceutical exports Pakistan Pharma Summit

Pakistan, Bahrain expand ties beyond defense with new nursing institute in Islamabad

Pakistan, Bahrain expand ties beyond defense with new nursing institute in Islamabad
Updated 24 September 2025

Pakistan, Bahrain expand ties beyond defense with new nursing institute in Islamabad

Pakistan, Bahrain expand ties beyond defense with new nursing institute in Islamabad
  • CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza attended the inauguration ceremony as chief guest
  • Institute seeks to raise medical education standards, train more health care professionals
Updated 24 September 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bahrain’s army generals have inaugurated the King Hamad Institute of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences (KHINAMS) in Islamabad to uplift medical education and produce competent health care professionals, the Pakistani military said on Wednesday.

The opening of KHINAMS, a joint initiative reflecting deepening Pakistan-Bahrain ties, is expected to not only raise the bar for nursing and allied sciences in Pakistan but also underscore the commitment to expanding cooperation beyond defense and into education and health care.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza as the chief guest, and Bahrain National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, among others.

“CJCSC, while thanking His Majesty and His Royal Highness, underscored the strong bilateral relation between Pakistan and Bahrain,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

More than 120,000 Pakistanis live in Bahrain and contribute to the Gulf state’s economy, serving as a bridge in bilateral relations.

Both countries established diplomatic ties in 1971 and have since maintained close political, trade and defense links through regular high-level visits and security collaboration.

Pakistan and Bahrain have stepped up cooperation this year, with Al Khalifa calling on Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in March to discuss bilateral cooperation.

This was followed by Pakistani firms signing $13 billion worth of contracts at the inaugural Pakistan and Bahrain investment summit in May.

Both countries also vowed in July to boost security cooperation and curb the illegal use of drugs and human smuggling.

Later in September, the Bahrain Air Force also expressed its interest in learning from the multi-domain operational expertise of the Pakistan Air Force.

The Pakistan Navy has also agreed with Bahrain to boost naval training and joint operations between the two countries.

Topics: Pakistan Bahrain Ties King Hamad Institute of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences (KHINAMS) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza

Pakistan presses aid, counterterror actions at inaugural session of OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan

Pakistan presses aid, counterterror actions at inaugural session of OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan
Updated 24 September 2025

Pakistan presses aid, counterterror actions at inaugural session of OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan

Pakistan presses aid, counterterror actions at inaugural session of OIC Contact Group on Afghanistan
  • FM calls for humanitarian funding, trade revival and verifiable steps against terrorism from Afghan soil
  • Dar also urges action on women’s rights, refugee return and creation of expert working group
Updated 24 September 2025
Waseem Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday urged Muslim countries to mobilize humanitarian aid and press Kabul to take verifiable steps against terrorism as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan held its inaugural session on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Contact Group was established in December 2021 at an extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, convened after the Taliban takeover of Kabul.

Pakistan, which shares a 2,600-km border with Afghanistan and has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, has consistently pressed the international community not to isolate Kabul. At the same time, relations between the two neighbors have been strained by a recent surge in militant attacks inside Pakistan, which authorities say are launched from Afghan territory. Kabul denies this. 

“The OIC Group must advocate for adequate funding by the international donors to meet Afghanistan’s humanitarian aid requirements without any political considerations,” Pakistani foreign minister and deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar said in his speech, according to an official transcript.

The minister said OIC states should help stabilize Afghanistan’s economy and revive its banking system to create conditions for trade and regional connectivity. He also commended UN-led initiatives to support former poppy farmers with alternative livelihoods, urging the OIC to back these efforts.

Turning to security, Dar voiced “serious concern” over the presence of more than two dozen militant groups inside Afghanistan, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army, Majeed Brigade and East Turkestan Islamic Movement, which he said were collaborating with Al-Qaeda. Kabul says Pakistan’s security issues are an internal challenge and denies harboring militant groups. 

“Our law enforcement officials and civilians continue to make enormous sacrifices to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan,” he said. “Earlier this month, 12 Pakistani soldiers were martyred in our bordering regions while combating TTP terrorist infiltrators from Afghanistan.”

Dar called on the Afghan interim authorities to take “concrete and verifiable action” to prevent their soil from being used for terrorism against neighboring countries. 

He proposed the establishment of an OIC working group of experts to draw up a practical roadmap for progress “across the entire spectrum of issues faced by our brotherly country Afghanistan.”

The Pakistani deputy premier urged the Taliban to lift their curbs on women and girls’ education and employment, calling them “unjustified and contrary to Islamic principles and norms of Muslim society.” He said the OIC should work to persuade the Taliban to reconsider such policies.

On refugees, Dar said peace returning to Afghanistan should pave the way for millions of displaced Afghans to return home.

“The OIC Group must urge the Afghan interim authorities to create conditions necessary for facilitating the resettlement of Afghan returnees … and to ensure their integration into the political and social fabric of Afghanistan for lasting peace and stability,” he said.

Topics: Pakistan in United Nations Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar Humanitarian aid for Gaza

Latest updates

KSrelief dispatches relief plane to support Palestinians in Gaza

KSrelief dispatches relief plane to support Palestinians in Gaza

Right group urges Africa nations to reject US deportee deals

Right group urges Africa nations to reject US deportee deals

French unions call more protests to put pressure on new prime minister

French unions call more protests to put pressure on new prime minister

participates in GCC–UK ministerial meeting at UNGA

participates in GCC–UK ministerial meeting at UNGA

Qasr Al-Saqqaf stands tall in heart of Makkah

Qasr Al-Saqqaf stands tall in heart of Makkah

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version
© 2025 , All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.