Canada announced $47.2 million in new security and development assistance for Pakistan during a landmark diplomatic visit. The announcement came as Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand visited Islamabad on Monday.
The visit marked the first bilateral trip by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades. During high-level talks, Anand and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar discussed expanding bilateral cooperation.
Canada Expands Trade, Security And Investment Cooperation
Anand said Canada would invest more than $2.2 million in three new security initiatives with Pakistan. The programmes will involve Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The initiatives will strengthen border management, counterterrorism efforts, financial crime investigations and specialised law enforcement training. Meanwhile, Canada also reaffirmed Pakistan’s importance in its South Asia strategy.
Anand said Canada plans to double non-US trade over the next decade. Therefore, Pakistan remains a key partner in Ottawa’s trade diversification strategy.
Both countries also agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. According to Anand, the agreement will provide greater confidence and predictability for investors.
She also thanked Pakistan for facilitating Canadian agricultural exports. Over the past year, Pakistan imported more than 470,000 tonnes of Canadian canola.
Canada Announces Development Funding And Regional Support
Canada also pledged $45 million for development assistance programmes across Pakistan. The funding will support climate adaptation, disaster resilience, education, reproductive health and flood recovery initiatives.
Anand highlighted investment opportunities in clean energy and mining. She pointed to the Dabeji hybrid wind and solar project and Barrick Gold’s investment in Reko Diq.
On regional issues, Anand acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue over Middle East tensions, including involving Iran. Additionally, she urged all parties to protect civilians, exercise restraint and pursue peaceful negotiations.
She concluded that Canada and Pakistan have significant opportunities to strengthen trade, investment, development and security cooperation for mutual benefit.
