Islamabad: Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation as their fourth joint counter terrorism exercise, Harimau Markhor IV, concluded at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, Nowshera, on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two week exercise brought together personnel from the Pakistan and Malaysian armies to exchange counter terrorism experiences, improve operational procedures and enhance combat capabilities through joint training.
The exercise focused on refining tactical drills, sharing operational knowledge and adopting best practices developed by both armed forces in counter terrorism operations.
ISPR stated that the exercise reflected the longstanding military relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in addressing security challenges.
The conclusion of the exercise coincided with the 16th meeting of the Pakistan Malaysia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC), held at Malaysia's Ministry of Defence on Thursday.
Pakistan's delegation was led by Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (retired) Muhammad Ali, while the Malaysian delegation was headed by Deputy Secretary General (Policy) Mohd Yani bin Daud.
During the meeting, both delegations reviewed progress made since the previous JCDC session in 2025 and discussed matters of mutual interest concerning bilateral defence and security cooperation.
The two sides acknowledged recent developments in their defence relationship and reiterated their intention to further strengthen military engagement and institutional collaboration.
Pakistan and Malaysia have maintained diplomatic relations since Malaysia gained independence in 1957. Pakistan was among the earliest countries to recognise Malaysia and contributed to the drafting of its constitution.
Defence cooperation has remained an important component of bilateral relations, alongside trade, investment and diplomatic engagement.
During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Malaysia in 2025, both countries agreed to expand cooperation in defence, trade and emerging technologies. Malaysia also agreed to import meat worth USD 200 million from Pakistan.
Economic relations between the two countries are further supported by the Malaysia Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2007, which provides a framework for cooperation in trade, investment and several service sectors.
The latest military exercise and defence committee meeting reflect continuing efforts by Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur to maintain operational cooperation and strengthen their broader bilateral security relationship.
