{
  "id": 2404288,
  "title": "Malaysia, Pakistan sign treaty allowing prisoners to serve sentences at home",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/malaysia-pakistan-sign-treaty-allowing-prisoners-to-serve-sentences",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T15:55:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1516265/malaysia-pakistan-sign-treaty-allowing-prisoners-serve-sentences-home"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia and Pakistan inked the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) Treaty today, bolstering legal and security collaboration between the two nations. The agreement was formally signed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Pakistan's Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi during a ceremony at Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office, attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Home Minister Saifuddin noted that the treaty symbolizes a significant step in Malaysia-Pakistan bilateral ties, especially in enhancing security and legal cooperation. The signing came after five rounds of negotiations since September 2025, involving multiple government departments. Under the ITOP, prisoners serving time in one country can be repatriated to Malaysia, completing their sentences in their home nation. This arrangement provides an opportunity for prisoners to receive rehabilitation in an environment that better aligns with their cultural background. The signing of the ITOP treaty further strengthens the longstanding relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan, demonstrating both countries' commitment to cooperative efforts that benefit their citizens.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Pakistan today signed the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) Treaty, strengthening legal and security cooperation between the two countries.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Malaysia, Pakistan want Hormuz Strait kept open, safe amid Iran-US tensions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/malaysia-pakistan-want-hormuz-strait-kept-open-safe-amid-iran-us",
        "published": "2026-08-21T16:09:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}