Dr. Syed Mehboob
Political and Economic Analyst
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Pakistan and Malaysia are two brothers and friends and have very close, deep relations. These close relations are reflected in the high-level contacts, visits, and agreements. Both sides’ high-level leadership contacts reflect that serious efforts are being continued to enhance trade, economic and defence relations.
It is a matter of great pride for the whole Pakistani nation that a Pakistani origin General Tan Sri Dato, Sri Mohammad Asghar Khan is serving as the Royal Malaysian Airforce Chief who recently paid a heartfelt visit to Pakistan and visited his ancestral village, Beer, in District Haripur. He stayed there for two hours and offered fateha at the graves of his grandfather, Qalnder Khan, his grandmother, and his uncle, Malik Yaqub Khan.
General Siri Dato Asghar Khan was born on December 26, 1965, in Selangor, Malaysia. He has his ancestral roots in the “Tanawal Region”, specifically the village of Beer. He is the grandson of the late Malik Qalandar and son of Gohar Aman; both of them belonged to this area. At his personal request, the government of Pakistan made special arrangements to visit Pakistan to reconnect him with his ancestral place. He was given full honour and protocol.
Siri Dato General Asghar Khan is the 20th Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force in March 2022. Before that, he was the Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force from January 2020 to March 2022. The Chief of the Air Force is the most senior appointment in the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The Chief of the Air Force is a member of the Malaysian Armed Forces Council and directly reports to the Chief of Defence Forces.
The Chief of Air Force Malaysia, “Pnglima Tentera Udara,” is the most senior appointment in the Royal Malaysian Air Force and has been held by a four-star officer in the rank of General. The Chief of Air Force is a member of the Malaysian Armed Forces Council. His wife’s name is Bibi Nasratjahan Gulab Khan and they have three children.
Pakistan and Malaysia agreed to strengthen their defence ties with particular emphasis on joint training and air power collaboration. This understanding was recently reached during a meeting between Pakistan Air Force ( PAF ) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief General Tan Siri Dato Sri Muhammad Asghar Khan at Air Headquarters Islamabad. The Pakistan Air Chief reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the military partnership between the two air forces through joint training initiatives, particularly within the realm of air power. These initiatives will encompass the provisioning of both basic and tactical level training for personnel of the Malaysian Air Force. Malaysian Air Chief, who is of Pakistani origin, knows the high professionalism, strength, and spirit of the Pakistani Air Force and praised the PAF’s advancements in indigenization and technological innovation. He also expressed interest in bolstering ties through enhanced collaboration in training, maintenance, and operational excellence. The meetings and visits highlight and underscore the robust defence relationship between the two nations. The Malaysian delegation toured the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park Silicon and the PAF Cyber Command, where he was briefed on Pakistan’s advanced operational capabilities. Malaysian Air Chief lauded the innovative projects displayed at the ongoing International Defence Exhibitions IDEAS 2024 in Karachi.
It is also very important to mention that there was a very important and fruitful meeting between Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir met with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss bilateral strategic interests, regional security, and defence cooperation. The meeting underscored the importance of enhancing military ties between Pakistan and Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister lauded Pakistan’s armed Forces for their contributions to regional peace and stability. He particularly acknowledged the Pakistan Army’s professionalism and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and emphasized the need for stronger military collaboration between the two countries. During the meeting, the Malaysian Prime Minister extended an invitation to General Asim Munir to visit Malaysia. Pakistan Army Chief’s Visit to Malaysia will further pave the way for strengthening defence ties between the two brother countries.
I am personally very thankful to His Excellency Mr. Harman Hardynata Ahmed, who always encouraged and appreciated my efforts to promote Pakistan-Malaysia friendship. The News Lark and its CEO Mr. Jawed Malik, fully authorized and gave me a free hand in this regard, and I pledge that I will continue my efforts to further promote friendship between the two countries.
Pakistan-Malaysia Friendship Zindabad
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