Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik participated in a series of engagements in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, focusing on criminal justice reform, drug policy, human rights, and international cooperation. His engagements included participation in the conference titled “Reform Pathways, Comparative Perspectives, and the Way Forward” at Monash University Malaysia, discussions with Malaysian policymakers at the Parliament of Malaysia, an evening dialogue on drug policy reform, and the commemoration of Kashmir Black Day hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in collaboration with the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM).
On the first day, Barrister Aqeel Malik participated in the conference at Monash University Malaysia, which brought together academics, legal experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders to discuss comparative approaches to criminal justice and opportunities for legal and policy reform. The discussions provided a platform for exchanging perspectives on public policy alternatives, public health considerations, and progressive approaches to justice.
On the second day, the Minister of State attended the launch of the policy brief titled “Roadmap to the Abolition of the Death Penalty for Drug Offences in Malaysia” at the Parliament of Malaysia. Organised by the Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN), in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia and Eleos Justice, Monash Law, the initiative examined potential pathways for reform through focus group discussions, comparative legal research, and policy analysis.
The engagement provided an opportunity to interact with Malaysian policymakers and exchange perspectives on legal and policy reform. Discussions focused on evidence-based policymaking, regional knowledge-sharing, and approaches to addressing drug-related offences alongside public health and criminal justice considerations.
Barrister Aqeel Malik also participated in an evening dialogue titled “An Evening Dialogue on Moving Towards the Total Abolition of the Death Penalty and Drug Policy Reform in Malaysia,” held in Kuala Lumpur. He delivered the opening remarks, followed by discussions and networking with policymakers, legal experts, and other stakeholders. The dialogue provided an opportunity to exchange views on legal reform, drug policy, and international cooperation.
During his engagements in Malaysia, Barrister Aqeel Malik also attended the Kashmir Black Day commemoration hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in collaboration with MAPIM. The event was attended by High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, MAPIM President Cikgu Azmi Abdul Hamid (Sitara-e-Pakistan), academics from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS), university students, and members of the Pakistani community.
The commemoration highlighted concerns regarding the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Participants called for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The event also marked the launch of Cikgu Azmi Abdul Hamid’s book, “Kashmir: Know, Think, Act,” which seeks to promote greater awareness and engagement on the Kashmir issue.
Barrister Aqeel Malik’s engagements in Kuala Lumpur reflected Pakistan’s commitment to constructive international dialogue, cooperation on legal and policy reform, and the promotion of human rights. His participation also provided an opportunity to strengthen engagement with Malaysian counterparts, exchange experiences on criminal justice policy, and reaffirm Pakistan’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
