Kuala Lumpur: Pakistan's bid to attain full dialogue partner status with ASEAN is set to be a topic of discussion among the regional leaders, as confirmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The announcement came after the Prime Minister performed the Aidiladha prayers at the Putra Mosque.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar stated that the matter will be addressed at the upcoming ASEAN leaders' conference. This statement followed inquiries regarding Pakistan's renewed efforts to elevate its partnership status within the ASEAN framework. Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, had earlier expressed Islamabad's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing engagement with ASEAN, underscoring its drive to become a full dialogue partner.

Pakistan has been an ASEAN sectoral dialogue partner since 1993, valuing its cooperative relationship with the regional bloc and aspiring to expand these ties further. In October of the previous year, Anwar expressed Malaysia's full support for Pakistan's ambition to become a full dialogue partner of ASEAN.

In response to questions about Pakistan's acceptance of his offer to mediate in the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's hope for a peaceful resolution, clarifying that he is simply offering his opinion without playing any official role.

Earlier, Anwar, accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, participated in the Aidiladha prayers at the Putra Mosque, which saw the attendance of nearly 15,000 congregants. Arriving at 7.50 am, Anwar, dressed in a light blue baju Melayu, was welcomed by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

The Prime Minister joined the congregation in reciting the takbir raya and performed the prayers led by the Grand Imam of the Putra Mosque, Dr Muhamad Zakuwa Rodzali. He also listened to a sermon titled 'Korban dan Semangat Kebersamaan', which highlighted the significance of intention, proper conduct, and sincerity in performing the sacrificial ritual. Before leaving, Anwar interacted with the congregation, taking time to mingle and shake hands.