On 17 June 2026, His Excellency Ambassador Dato' Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan, paid an official visit to the University of Southern Punjab (USP), Multan, as part of the High Commission's continued efforts to strengthen educational cooperation and promote greater people-to-people ties between Malaysia and Pakistan.
The High Commissioner was warmly received by the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Asim Nazir Ahmad, Rector Professor Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, members of the university's senior management, faculty members, students and alumni of Malaysian institutions of higher learning.
During his address, the High Commissioner underscored the important role of education in fostering mutual understanding, friendship and long-term cooperation between nations. He noted that higher education has become one of the strongest pillars of Malaysia–Pakistan relations, with Malaysia emerging as a preferred destination for Pakistani students seeking internationally recognised, high-quality education.
While acknowledging the increasing number of Pakistani students pursuing their studies in Malaysia, the High Commissioner also encouraged greater two-way academic mobility. He expressed hope that more Malaysian students would have the opportunity to study in Pakistan, allowing them to gain valuable academic, cultural and social experiences while strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The High Commissioner further encouraged universities in Malaysia and Pakistan to expand collaboration through student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, academic partnerships and knowledge-sharing programmes. He emphasised that such collaborations would contribute to the development of future generations equipped to address regional and global challenges.
The visit also provided an opportunity to engage with Malaysian alumni serving at the university, whose academic experiences in Malaysia continue to contribute positively to Pakistan's higher education sector. Their achievements reflect the enduring value of educational exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations.
As part of the programme, the High Commissioner officiated the inauguration of the University's School of Fashion Designing and toured various academic facilities, laboratories and learning centres. He commended the university's commitment to providing quality education, promoting innovation and nurturing talented young professionals.
The High Commission of Malaysia welcomes the University of Southern Punjab's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Malaysian institutions of higher learning and looks forward to fostering further academic partnerships that will benefit students, researchers and educators from both countries.
Malaysia remains committed to promoting educational excellence, human capital development and meaningful international collaboration as key components of its longstanding friendship with Pakistan.
