ISLAMABAD: Canada has announced more than $47 million in new security and development assistance for Pakistan while reaffirming its commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining, security, and sustainable development.
The announcement was made during the one-day official visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Islamabad—the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.
Following talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, both countries agreed to strengthen institutional engagement through regular bilateral consultations and closer collaboration between relevant ministries and stakeholders.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, Dar invited Canadian companies to invest in Pakistan’s priority sectors, including energy, mining and critical minerals, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and information technology. The two sides also discussed cooperation in education, labour mobility, science and technology, climate change, consular affairs, and people-to-people exchanges, while exchanging views on Afghanistan and counterterrorism.
On regional issues, Dar highlighted the longstanding Kashmir dispute, urging progress in line with United Nations resolutions, and sought Canada’s support for the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) through adherence to international law.
Canada Eyes Greater Trade and Investment
Anita Anand said the visit marked a significant milestone in the 80-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries and underscored Canada’s interest in expanding trade and investment ties with Pakistan.
She announced that both governments had agreed to expedite negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA) to provide greater certainty and confidence for investors in both countries.
Highlighting growing agricultural cooperation, Anand noted that Pakistan imported more than 470,000 tonnes of Canadian canola during the last crop year and expressed appreciation for Islamabad’s support in facilitating market access for Canadian producers. She also said Canada looks forward to increasing imports of Pakistani products, including rice, textiles, and sporting goods.
Renewable Energy and Mining Collaboration
The Canadian foreign minister said Canadian companies are expanding their footprint in Pakistan’s renewable energy and mining sectors. She cited the upcoming 240-megawatt Dhabeji hybrid wind and solar project, being developed by JCM Power in partnership with K-Electric, as well as Barrick Gold’s investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold project as key examples of growing bilateral economic cooperation.
Over $47 Million in New Assistance
Canada announced more than $2.2 million for three security cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening border management, counterterrorism, financial crime investigations, and law enforcement training through partnerships with Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
In addition, Ottawa pledged $45 million in development assistance to support climate resilience, girls’ education, reproductive health, family planning, and flood recovery through partnerships with the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Meetings with Prime Minister and Military Leadership
During her meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Anand expressed Canada’s strong interest in exploring new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, mining, energy, automobiles, and the auto parts industry.
Both sides agreed to exchange trade and minerals delegations to identify new investment opportunities and further enhance bilateral economic ties.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing of a protocol on phytosanitary import requirements for genetically modified Canadian canola intended for food, feed, and processing in Pakistan. The protocol was signed by Ishaq Dar and Anita Anand.
The Canadian foreign minister also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, security, migration management, and institutional collaboration.
Anand later called on Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief highlighted Pakistan’s perspective on regional peace and global stability while emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.
The Canadian foreign minister commended Pakistan’s continued efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and acknowledged its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Story by Syed Irfan Raza
