KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and Pakistan yesterday inked the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) Treaty, a landmark pact to bolster legal and security cooperation between the two nations.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed the signing with Pakistan’s Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the PM’s Office in Islamabad.
“This signing marks another important milestone in Malaysia–Pakistan bilateral relations, particularly in strengthening security and legal cooperation between the two countries,” Saifuddin said in a Facebook post.
The treaty follows five rounds of negotiations since September 2025 involving Malaysia’s Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Attorney General’s Chambers, Prisons Department and Royal Malaysia Police. Cabinet approval was granted on May 13.
Under ITOP, Malaysian prisoners in Pakistan may be repatriated to serve their remaining sentences at home, while Pakistani inmates in Malaysia can be transferred back to their country.
“This also enables them to undergo rehabilitation programmes in a more conducive environment that is suited to the mould and culture of their respective countries,” Saifuddin added.
The agreement adds a new legal instrument to the long-standing Malaysia–Pakistan relationship, reflecting both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation that directly benefits their people. – August 22, 2026