Pakistan and Canada have agreed to broaden their collaboration across trade, investment, security, and development sectors during talks between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. Anand’s visit to Islamabad marks the first by a Canadian foreign minister in nearly 20 years.
At a joint press conference following their meeting, Dar emphasized the comprehensive review of bilateral relations and the discussion on enhancing economic engagement. He highlighted Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a key mechanism for fostering a business-friendly environment and invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities in emerging sectors.
Dar noted that the discussions also encompassed cooperation in education, labor mobility, consular affairs, science and technology, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges, areas where both nations are keen to strengthen ties. The talks further addressed regional and international issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and joint counterterrorism efforts.
Addressing the sensitive issue of relations with India, Dar raised the longstanding dispute over Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He called on friendly nations, including Canada, to support the immediate restoration of the treaty, stressing the importance of ending the weaponization of water and respecting international law and treaty commitments.
Meanwhile, Anand described her visit as a significant milestone in the 80-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries. She underscored Pakistan’s role in Canada’s strategy to diversify trade away from the US, aiming to double non-US trade over the next decade. Anand also acknowledged the Pakistani diaspora in Canada, numbering over 300,000, as a vital link between the two nations.
She recognized Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, including with Iran, and expressed Canada’s concern over escalating conflicts in the region. Anand urged all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and pursue peaceful dialogue.
In a significant development, the two countries agreed to accelerate negotiations on a new Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), designed to provide greater certainty for investors and encourage bilateral investment. Anand highlighted opportunities to expand agricultural trade, noting Pakistan’s import of over 470,000 tonnes of Canadian canola in the last crop year.
The Canadian minister also pointed to ongoing investments in Pakistan, such as the 240-megawatt Dabiji hybrid wind and solar project developed by JCM Power in partnership with K-Electric, and Barrick’s stake in the Reko Diq mining project.
On security cooperation, Anand announced over $2.2 million in new Canadian funding for initiatives involving Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. These funds aim to enhance border management, counterterrorism, financial crime investigations, and law enforcement training in Pakistan.
Furthermore, Anand revealed $45 million in new development aid to support climate resilience, education—particularly for girls—reproductive health, family planning, and flood recovery efforts in Pakistan. She concluded by emphasizing the meaningful opportunities for both countries to strengthen their partnership across development, security, trade, and investment for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
