Anwar said relations between the two nations had become “somewhat stagnated” and needed a practical and strategic reset guided by clear policies, reported Bernama.

“It is time we wake up and adopt a more aggressive policy for our own survival.

“Malaysia is a trading nation … and we must continue working with existing partners while opening up new avenues.

“Pakistan is one of the countries we look forward to engaging with,” he said at the Pakistan-Malaysia Business and Investment Conference, held in conjunction with the official visit of Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Anwar emphasised that political stability, clear economic policies and efficient decision-making mechanisms were essential to boost resilience and expand economic engagement beyond domestic markets.

Shehbaz said the private sector must play a leading role in driving growth and unlocking the full potential of Malaysia-Pakistan cooperation.

He urged companies from both nations to pursue joint ventures, business partnerships and technology collaborations, adding that such efforts would strengthen regional competitiveness and innovation.

“By establishing operations in Pakistan, companies gain a strategic gateway to vast regional and global markets, including competitive access to Gulf markets.

“With our combined efforts, we can unlock new opportunities in trade, investment and industrial collaboration,” he said.

Malaysia and Pakistan established diplomatic ties in 1957.

The countries recorded total trade of RM8.07 billion in 2024, a 25.5% increase from 2023.

Malaysia’s main exports to Pakistan include palm oil, petroleum and chemical products, while imports from Pakistan comprise agricultural goods, textiles, apparel, footwear and petroleum products.