ISLAMABAD – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani called for new phase in Pakistan–Canada relations, urging both countries to expand cooperation through stronger parliamentary engagement, increased trade and investment, and deeper people-to-people ties during the visit of Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
Addressing a reception held in honour of the Canadian foreign minister in Islamabad, Gilani said Pakistan values its decades-long relationship with Canada and remains committed to transforming the partnership into one that delivers greater economic and diplomatic benefits. He welcomed Anand on her first official visit to Pakistan, saying it reflected the shared desire of both governments to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The Senate chairman noted that Pakistan and Canada have maintained friendly diplomatic ties since Pakistan’s early years, with cooperation steadily expanding across political, commercial, educational, and cultural fields. He also acknowledged the important role played by the Pakistani community in Canada in bringing the two nations closer.
Highlighting economic ties, Gilani described trade as a driving force behind bilateral relations, saying Canada has become an important partner in supplying agricultural commodities, including canola, soybeans, and chickpeas, which support Pakistan’s food and industrial sectors.
He welcomed the recent progress made in economic engagement, referring to discussions between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. Gilani also described the arrival of the first Canadian canola shipment at Karachi Port earlier this year as a practical example of growing commercial cooperation.
Calling parliamentary diplomacy an increasingly important pillar of international relations, Gilani said lawmakers can play a significant role in promoting dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding. He invited Canada to participate in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), which he founded, saying closer interaction between legislators could help address common international challenges while further strengthening bilateral ties.
The chairman said both countries possess complementary strengths that can unlock fresh investment opportunities in sectors such as clean energy, mining, information technology, textiles, innovation, and infrastructure. He observed that Canada’s technological capabilities, combined with Pakistan’s youthful workforce and strategic location, create favourable conditions for long-term economic collaboration.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, Gilani said Anand’s visit would pave the way for stronger cooperation across multiple sectors and deepen the friendship between the two countries.
Quoting former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lester B. Pearson, he said lasting peace depends on greater understanding among nations, adding that trust, dialogue, and meaningful public engagement remain essential for building enduring international partnerships.
Following the reception, Chairman Senate Gilani held formal talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her delegation, where both sides reviewed the current state of relations and explored opportunities to broaden cooperation.
Gilani congratulated Anand on her achievements in public service, law, and academia, while appreciating her efforts to strengthen Pakistan–Canada ties. He said the growing number of high-level contacts demonstrates the commitment of both governments to enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, energy, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Recalling the history of bilateral relations, Gilani noted that Canada was among the earliest countries to recognise Pakistan after independence in 1947. He also referred to the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2022 as a milestone reflecting the enduring nature of the partnership.
The chairman also remembered his interaction with former Canadian minister Jason Kenney during his tenure as Pakistan’s prime minister, when both sides discussed immigration, employment opportunities for Pakistanis, and broader bilateral cooperation. He said relations have continued to evolve positively across political, economic, parliamentary, and cultural domains.
Gilani welcomed the outcomes of recent diplomatic engagements, including talks between Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Anita Anand in Ottawa, as well as the sixth round of Pakistan–Canada Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad. He said both countries have expressed a shared determination to expand cooperation in investment, agriculture, mining, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, climate action, energy, information technology, education, and scientific collaboration.
Stressing the importance of stronger legislative links, Gilani proposed increased interaction between the parliamentary friendship groups of both countries to jointly address issues such as climate change, terrorism, sustainable development, and global peace. He also acknowledged the efforts of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Canadian MP Salma Zahid, and Senator Salma Ataullahjan in promoting parliamentary cooperation.
Referring once again to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, Gilani invited Canada to become more actively involved and contribute its experience in democratic governance, peacebuilding, and inclusive development.
Senate chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to work closely with Canada through international organisations, including the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Commonwealth of Nations. He also appreciated Canada’s continued support for democratic development in Pakistan and its contribution to international peace initiatives.
Discussing economic opportunities, Gilani encouraged Canadian companies to explore investment prospects under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), particularly in mining, renewable energy, agribusiness, information technology, and critical minerals. He also welcomed progress in negotiations on the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), saying it would strengthen investor confidence and improve the business climate.
Chairman thanked Canada for its longstanding cooperation in Pakistan’s health and education sectors, especially its support for maternal and child healthcare and polio eradication programmes. He also called for stronger partnerships in medical research, climate-smart agriculture, higher education, scientific innovation, and academic exchanges.
Highlighting the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora, Gilani said stronger educational partnerships, scholarships, tourism, cultural exchanges, and institutional collaboration would further reinforce people-to-people relations.
During the meeting, he reiterated Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, saying it should be resolved peacefully in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Touching on regional developments, Gilani welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East and reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution as the most effective path towards regional stability.
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