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Malaysian Prime Minister’s Visit to Pakistan Amid Domestic Unrest: A Diplomatic Test for Islamabad

4 minutes read

Malaysian Prime Minister’s Visit to Pakistan Amid Domestic Unrest: A Diplomatic Test for Islamabad

4 minutes read

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar recently visited Pakistan with high-level meetings and bilateral discussions with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. The two leaders met at the Pakistan Prime Minister’s official residence to discuss various bilateral initiatives to strengthen diplomatic relations, formally established in 1957. The visit marks Ibrahim’s first time in Pakistan since assuming office in November 2022.

Both countries have a history of strong economic ties. In 2023, the trade value between Malaysia and Pakistan reached RM6.43 billion, with Malaysia enjoying a surplus of RM2.34 billion. These relations were further cemented with the signing a Strategic Partnership accord in 2019 and the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA) in 2008. However, the current visit carries weight due to its economic and diplomatic importance and the internal challenges Pakistan is currently facing.

Diplomatic Success Amid Civil Unrest

Although Anwar Ibrahim’s visit focuses on fostering cooperation in areas such as trade, digital development, and cultural exchange, it takes place under the shadow of significant domestic unrest in Pakistan. Over the past weeks, the country has been gripped by protests led by supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, demanding the release of their leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This political upheaval, compounded by clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement, has raised concerns over Pakistan’s ability to maintain its international image during high-profile diplomatic engagements.

The protests, which saw more than 30 PTI supporters arrested in Islamabad and Lahore, have become a significant security challenge for the Pakistani government. With streets blocked, tear gas deployed, and internet services disrupted across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the unrest has created logistical difficulties for residents, foreign diplomats, and visitors alike.

Global Perception and Impact on Pakistan’s Image

The timing of these protests coincides with several high-profile international visits, including that of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other foreign dignitaries attending Pakistan’s upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in mid-October. While Pakistan has been keen to project itself as a stable and investment-friendly nation, the ongoing political unrest threatens to tarnish this image. The world is watching closely to see how Pakistan navigates the delicate balance between addressing internal dissent and maintaining its international commitments.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing concerns over the safety of foreign dignitaries, has assured that robust security measures are in place. Army deployments in Islamabad, alongside the police and paramilitary rangers, have been authorized to secure key government buildings and ensure that law and order is maintained. The federal government has enacted strict guidelines, including a ban on public gatherings under Section 144, to prevent further disruption.

Despite these measures, the protests have already caused significant disruptions, with roadblocks, mobile network outages, and transportation halts affecting the daily lives of citizens. The shutdown of services, such as Uber and public transportation, has compounded these difficulties, leaving students, workers, and business owners in disarray.

Looking Ahead: The SCO Summit and Beyond

As Pakistan gears up to host the SCO Summit in mid-October, it faces the challenge of presenting itself as a nation capable of managing its domestic affairs while remaining an active player in international diplomacy. The summit, which brings together leaders from key regional powers, is a significant opportunity for Pakistan to demonstrate its geopolitical relevance and engage in critical discussions on trade, security, and regional cooperation.

However, the ongoing protests risk overshadowing this opportunity. With the world’s attention fixed on how Islamabad handles both the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit and the SCO Summit, there is growing speculation about whether the Pakistani government can effectively manage the political turmoil without escalating tensions further. Any misstep could harm Pakistan’s diplomatic standing, not just with Malaysia but with other key international partners.

For now, the situation remains fluid. The Pakistani government’s efforts to ensure a smooth and secure environment for diplomatic discussions are commendable, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to counter the negative optics generated by the protests. As Anwar Ibrahim’s visit ended and the SCO Summit drew near, the world will be watching Pakistan’s ability to maintain peace and order while securing its international partnerships in a turbulent political landscape.

 

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