Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (left) and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Putrajaya, Nov 21, 2018
PUTRAJAYA: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has pledged to Pakistanis working in Malaysia that they would not need to relocate overseas for employment in the future.
“I can tell you with belief that there will come a time soon where Pakistanis will only go overseas for holidays, but not to work,” the newly sworn-in prime minister said during his speech to the Pakistani community here.
This is Imran Khan’s first inaugural visit to Malaysia since assuming the post in August this year.
Also present were Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, and Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood.
Imran Khan also praised Pakistani overseas community for creating value and contributing to Malaysia.
“I have a lot of interaction with overseas Pakistanis for over 20 years. They come here and work hard. We want you to know that we value you and your contribution here (Malaysia),” Imran Khan said.
He is looking to emulate the advice of his idol, Dr Mahathir, on wealth creation for investors.
As such, Imran Khan urged investors to undertake investments in Pakistan as his administration looks to ease ways of doing business by creating a designated department for investors in the Prime Minister Office.
“Over 20 years ago, Mahathir told me that we help investors to make money which is wealth creation. That’s attracts investors to pour in investments.
“We will now have a specially designated department in the Prime Minister’s office that will help resolve any issue that overseas investors face so it would be easy for them to do business in Pakistan.
The two Prime Ministers also witnessed the signing of an agreement by the governments of Malaysia and Pakistan on the partial abolition of visa for travel between the two countries.
In a statement on Wednesday, Wisma Putra said the visit underlines the significance and importance Malaysia attaches to its relationship with Pakistan.
“It will also be an opportunity for both leaders to exchange views on a range of global and regional issues of common concern,” it added.
