ISLAMABAD: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand is arriving in Pakistan today, Monday, to engage in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment, educational cooperation, and regional stability, according to state media.
The Pakistan Foreign Office announced on Sunday that this marks Anand’s first official visit to the country since taking office. She arrives at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the visit will focus on enhancing cooperation across trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
The diplomatic mission occurs as Pakistan works to stabilize its economy under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund program, seeking to attract foreign investment to bolster its $400 billion economy.
A key agenda item involves discussing regional developments amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent US-Iran confrontations. Pakistan has played a pivotal role in regional mediation since February, hosting direct peace talks in April and brokering an interim agreement that concluded earlier this month.
Canada and Pakistan maintain cordial relations with ties dating back to 1947. In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade exceeded $1.2 billion, driven by close cooperation in the manufacturing, consumer goods, and agri-food sectors.
Economic ties are further exemplified by the Reko Diq gold-copper project, Pakistan’s most significant foreign investment endeavor, managed by Canadian mining firm Barrick Gold in partnership with federal and provincial governments.
The state broadcaster noted that both ministers will exchange perspectives on global and regional issues of mutual interest. Anand is also expected to hold meetings with various Pakistani leaders during her stay.
According to Pakistan’s foreign office, Canada hosts approximately 500,000 Pakistani nationals, making it the 54th largest Asian diaspora in the country, following China, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
