Canada and Pakistan Pledge Trade and Security Cooperation

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in Islamabad on July 20, 2026, for the first official visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades. Visiting at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Anand held delegation-level talks focused on trade, investment, education, and regional security.

During the visit, both nations committed to finalizing a modern Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and a new agricultural protocol. Canada announced C$45 million in development assistance for reproductive health, girls' education, and climate resilience, alongside C$2.2 million for security initiatives via Interpol and the United Nations. Economic discussions focused on trade diversification, specifically regarding Canadian canola exports and Pakistani textiles, rice, and sports goods.

The leaders also highlighted the role of the 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin and discussed regional peace in the Middle East. Specific investment interests mentioned included Barrick Gold's involvement in Reko Diq and JCM Power's 240-megawatt Dhabeji hybrid project. Following the meetings in Islamabad, Anand traveled to the Philippines to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.