Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hailed a new Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal during his official visit to Malaysia on Monday, October 6, 2025. The agreement allows Malaysia to import halal meat worth USD 200 million from Pakistan annually. This development emerged from bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya. The deal forms part of broader Pakistan Malaysia trade agreements 2025 aimed at boosting exports and investment. It addresses who, what, when, where, why, and how of enhanced food security and market access for Pakistani producers.
This Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal matters deeply in South Asia. It strengthens food supply chains across Muslim-majority nations, creates jobs in Pakistan’s livestock sector, and counters economic pressures from global inflation. For Malaysia, it diversifies imports while upholding halal standards. The pact underscores a shift towards intra-regional trade, vital as South Asian economies seek resilience against Western dependencies. With bilateral trade at USD 3.2 billion in 2024, this initiative could propel growth to USD 5 billion by 2030, fostering stability in a volatile region.
Shehbaz Sharif Malaysia Visit Strengthens Bilateral Bonds
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, October 5, 2025, for a three-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Shehbaz Sharif Malaysia visit marks his first official trip since taking office in March 2024. It reciprocates Anwar’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024. Delegation members include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar.
On Monday morning, Shehbaz received a guard of honour at Perdana Putra. He then held closed-door talks with Anwar, followed by delegation-level discussions. The leaders exchanged views on trade, defence, and regional issues. Shehbaz thanked Anwar for the warm hospitality, describing the nations’ ties as a “family reunion.”
“We held wide-ranging discussions on ways to further strengthen our historic partnership,” Shehbaz posted on X after the meeting. Anwar echoed this, stating the visit opens “a new chapter of strategic cooperation.” Both emphasised people-to-people links, noting 150,000 Pakistanis contribute to Malaysia’s development.
The Shehbaz Sharif Malaysia visit also covered global concerns. Leaders discussed the Middle East crisis, with Anwar praising Pakistan’s role in peace efforts. They reaffirmed support for a sovereign Palestinian state and UN resolutions on Kashmir. Pakistan congratulated Malaysia on its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship and sought full dialogue partner status.
Pakistan Malaysia Halal Meat Deal Details Emerge
The centerpiece of the Shehbaz Sharif Malaysia visit is the Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal. Malaysia agreed to raise the import quota for Pakistani halal meat to USD 200 million annually. This quota regulates exports via market prices and ensures compliance with Malaysian halal certifications.
Shehbaz called the announcement a “welcome step” that augments engagement in the halal sector. He assured Pakistan would meet all standards set by Malaysian customs and food authorities. Anwar, in a light-hearted remark during the joint press conference, noted Shehbaz’s persistence on meat exports during an informal meeting. “So I certainly welcome that and will discuss with my team,” Anwar said.
This Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal builds on existing rice exports, which already exceed quotas. It targets Malaysia’s demand for certified halal products, projected to reach USD 2.5 trillion globally by 2025. For Pakistan, the deal could generate PKR 55.6 billion in revenue, supporting 500,000 livestock farmers.
Experts view the quota as a gateway for further expansion. Shehbaz expressed aims for a “quantum jump” beyond USD 200 million. The agreement aligns with the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), updated in 2025 to ease tariffs on agricultural goods.
Broader Pakistan Malaysia Trade Agreements 2025
The Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal anchors wider Pakistan Malaysia trade agreements 2025. Leaders witnessed five MoUs and one note exchange on October 6. These cover higher education, halal certification, anti-corruption, tourism, and small enterprises. The diplomatic training note enhances official exchanges.
Discussions spanned IT, telecom, green energy, and defence. Both sides pledged to deepen defence ties via the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation, established in 1997. Investment flows, with Pakistani funds in Malaysia at USD 397 million as of April 2025, will target automotive and digital economy sectors.
Malaysia plans to boost palm oil exports to Pakistan, meeting rising food processing needs. Leaders agreed on sustainable agriculture research and mutual halal recognition to streamline supply chains. Aviation links will expand, increasing flight routes for tourism and business.
In education, partnerships will focus on STEM and vocational training. Malaysia invited Pakistani tourists for its 2026 campaigns. Healthcare cooperation targets pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Shehbaz and Anwar launched the Urdu translation of Anwar’s book SCRIPT, symbolising shared values of sustainability and innovation. Anwar hosted a luncheon for the delegation, capping the day’s events at 4:35 PM.
Background on Pakistan-Malaysia Ties
Diplomatic relations date to 1957, elevated to strategic partnership in 2019. Trade volume hit USD 3.2 billion in 2024, with Pakistan exporting rice and textiles. The halal sector, valued at USD 300 million bilaterally, grows 10% yearly. Past challenges, like supply disruptions during COVID-19, prompted MPCEPA reviews in 2025. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted joint efforts against Islamophobia in May 2025. This Shehbaz Sharif Malaysia visit builds on Anwar’s 2024 trip, which signed initial halal pacts.
What’s Next for Bilateral Cooperation
Leaders agreed to reconvene the Joint Commission at foreign minister level soon. Focus will track MoU implementation and quota utilisation. Pakistan eyes ASEAN full partnership, with Malaysia’s support. Enhanced consultations on OIC and UN issues promise aligned stances. The Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal sets a precedent for similar quotas in dairy and poultry by mid-2026.
As ties deepen, the Pakistan Malaysia halal meat deal promises sustained economic momentum, linking producers in Lahore to markets in Kuala Lumpur.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 6th, 2025
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