ISLAMABAD: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand arrived in Islamabad on Monday for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, marking the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received Anand upon her arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What is the purpose of the visit?
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Anand is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
The two sides are expected to hold bilateral talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Canada relations, including trade, investment, education and people-to-people exchanges.
What issues will be discussed?
The Foreign Office said the ministers will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
During her stay, Anand is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s senior leadership as part of her official engagements.
Why is the visit significant?
The Canadian government described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, noting that it is the first official visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost 20 years.
Canada said the visit is part of its broader efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
What is the current state of Pakistan-Canada relations?
Pakistan and Canada maintain longstanding relations supported by strong people-to-people connections, including a Pakistani-origin community of more than 300,000 in Canada and approximately 20,000 Canadians residing in Pakistan.
According to the Canadian government, bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2025, with Canadian exports to Pakistan totaling $499.7 million and imports from Pakistan reaching $696 million.
The two countries also held the second round of negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) in June 2026 as part of efforts to expand economic cooperation.