Islamabad: Malaysia and Pakistan today signed the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) Treaty, strengthening legal and security cooperation between the two countries. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the treaty's signing alongside Pakistan's Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, following a courtesy call on Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The signing ceremony, held at the Prime Minister's Office in Pakistan, was witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that this signing marks a significant milestone in Malaysia-Pakistan bilateral relations, particularly in enhancing security and legal cooperation. The treaty was the result of five rounds of negotiations since September 2025, involving various agencies such as the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Attorney General's Chambers, Malaysian Prisons Department, and Royal Malaysia Police. The Cabinet had given its approval for the treaty on May 13.

Under the ITOP, Malaysian prisoners detained in Pakistan may be repatriated to serve the remainder of their sentences in Malaysia, while Pakistani prisoners serving sentences in Malaysia may be transferred to their home country. This arrangement allows prisoners to undergo rehabilitation programs that are more suited to the cultural and environmental context of their respective countries.

Saifuddin Nasution remarked that the signing of this treaty introduces a new legal instrument to the enduring Malaysia-Pakistan relationship and underscores both nations' commitment to expanding cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.