Malaysia, Pakistan strengthen legal ties with new prisoner transfer treaty

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — Malaysia and Pakistan formally signed the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) Treaty, enhancing legal and security cooperation between the two nations. The treaty was officially signed following a meeting between Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Pakistan's Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

The signing took place at Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office, with Shehbaz Sharif in attendance. Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that this signing marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, especially in bolstering security and legal ties. The treaty is the culmination of five rounds of negotiations since September 2025, involving several Malaysian government agencies, including the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Attorney General’s Chambers, Malaysian Prisons Department, and Royal Malaysia Police.

The Cabinet approved the treaty on May 13. Under the ITOP, Malaysian prisoners in Pakistani custody can be returned to Malaysia to serve the remainder of their sentences, and Pakistani prisoners in Malaysian prisons can be transferred to Pakistan for the completion of their sentences. This arrangement also provides these inmates the opportunity to participate in rehabilitation programs in a more culturally and environmentally suitable setting.

The ITOP treaty further cements the longstanding Malaysia-Pakistan relationship and showcases both countries' dedication to expanding cooperation that benefits their populations.