Pakistan, Canada Agree to Expand Trade and Agriculture Cooperation; Discuss Counterterrorism, Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty
ISLAMABAD, July 20: Pakistan and Canada have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and agriculture during the first official visit by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to Islamabad. The two sides also exchanged views on regional security, counterterrorism, Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indus Waters Treaty.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand held separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The discussions focused on expanding economic ties while addressing key regional and international issues.
Following talks with his Canadian counterpart, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Anita Anand’s visit reflected the shared commitment of both countries to deepen their long-standing relationship.
He noted that Pakistan and Canada enjoy strong people-to-people ties, supported by a vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada, and agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements and institutional dialogue.
Focus on Trade, Investment and Agriculture
Dar said both sides explored ways to boost trade and investment, encourage business-to-business collaboration, and expand cooperation in priority sectors including agriculture, education, information technology, mining, critical minerals, infrastructure and energy.
Pakistan also invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities available under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), highlighting the government’s efforts to improve the investment climate.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a phyto-sanitary protocol that establishes clear import requirements for Canadian canola entering Pakistan. Officials said the agreement would facilitate agricultural trade while enhancing technical cooperation and capacity building between the two countries.
The two governments also reviewed progress on the proposed Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and agreed to continue negotiations to finalize the pact.
Regional Security and Counterterrorism
Dar said discussions also covered regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan and cooperation against terrorism.
He reiterated Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a long-standing international dispute that remains on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.
The foreign minister also raised concerns over India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a development that had further heightened regional tensions.
“We expect our friendly countries to support the immediate restoration of the treaty, ensure that water is not used as a weapon, and uphold international legal and treaty obligations,” Dar said.
PM Shehbaz Seeks Broader Economic Partnership
During her meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the premier welcomed the Canadian delegation and called for expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, agri-food industries, vaccine production, renewable energy, and the automobile sector.
The prime minister conveyed his best wishes to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and expressed hope for an early meeting. He also thanked Canada for supporting regional peace efforts.
Anita Anand said she was visiting Pakistan on the instructions of Prime Minister Carney to further strengthen bilateral relations and identify new opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, automobiles and auto parts.
She emphasized that the proposed Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement would help build investor confidence and encourage greater Canadian investment in Pakistan.
Both leaders also acknowledged the positive role of the Pakistani community in Canada in strengthening bilateral ties and agreed to facilitate exchanges of trade and mining delegations.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz witnessed the signing ceremony of the phyto-sanitary protocol for Canadian canola imports.
Interior Ministers Discuss Security Cooperation
The Canadian foreign minister also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss cooperation on security, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides reviewed collaboration on combating illegal immigration, human trafficking and cybercrime, while also discussing training and exchange programmes for law enforcement officials.
Pakistan and Canada agreed to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in these areas.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan values its relationship with Canada and seeks to broaden cooperation across all sectors, adding that the Pakistani community continues to serve as a bridge between the two nations.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed her government’s commitment to enhancing relations with Pakistan and called for a structured framework to advance bilateral cooperation.