PM Shehbaz Receives Honorary PhD in Malaysia, Signs Key Trade and Cooperation Accords

Web Desk; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was awarded an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree during a special ceremony at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his “outstanding leadership and contributions to nation-building.”

The prime minister, who began a three-day official visit to Malaysia on October 5, received the Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Governance from the IIUM’s Constitutional Head, Queen of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Dressed in a blue academic gown, Shehbaz described the honour as a “great privilege,” and expressed gratitude to the university and the Malaysian leadership.

Reflecting on his four decades of public service in Punjab and later as the prime minister, Shehbaz emphasised that leadership was a “sacred trust” that must be exercised with sincerity, justice, and accountability before God. He underscored the importance of unity and shared values to overcome the challenges of conflict, poverty, and disunity faced by the Muslim world.

The Pahang queen praised Shehbaz’s “vision, discipline, and compassion,” highlighting initiatives such as the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, which opened higher education opportunities to thousands of students. She also noted Pakistan’s role as a founding partner of IIUM and expressed solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Later, Shehbaz held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, during which the two sides signed six accords and agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, and technology. Malaysia announced plans to import $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan, while also signalling an expansion of palm oil exports to Pakistan.

Shehbaz also met with a delegation from Gobi Partners, a Malaysian business group, which expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s e-commerce and fintech sectors. The prime minister assured investors of reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment and facilitating startups.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, supporting Palestinian self-determination, and promoting cooperation in international forums such as the UN and OIC.