ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendship with Canada through enhanced parliamentary diplomacy, expanded trade, and closer people-to-people contacts. Addressing a reception hosted in honour of Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Anita Anand, the Chairman Senate extended heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Senate, the Parliament, and the people of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and Canada …
Gilani calls for deepening Pakistan–Canada partnership through parliamentary diplomacy, trade, people-to-people engagement
ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendship with Canada through enhanced parliamentary diplomacy, expanded trade, and closer people-to-people contacts.
Addressing a reception hosted in honour of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Anita Anand, the Chairman Senate extended heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Senate, the Parliament, and the people of Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan and Canada have enjoyed nearly eight decades of cordial relations built on mutual respect, shared interests, constructive political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and the invaluable contribution of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
Gilani described bilateral trade as the cornerstone of Pakistan–Canada relations, noting that Canada remains one of Pakistan’s trusted economic partners.
He highlighted Canada’s important role as a supplier of agricultural commodities, including canola, soybeans, and chickpeas, which contribute significantly to Pakistan’s food security, agricultural sector, and industrial growth.
Referring to the growing economic partnership between the two countries, he appreciated the positive outcomes of Minister Anita Anand’s engagement with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Ottawa, which helped further strengthen bilateral trade relations.
He particularly welcomed the successful arrival of the first shipment of Canadian canola at Karachi Port on 12 January 2026, describing it as a tangible symbol of expanding economic cooperation.
Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in the contemporary global landscape, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that legislatures have an increasingly vital role in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding, peace, and sustainable development.
As the Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), he invited Canada to actively participate in the initiative, expressing confidence that stronger parliamentary engagement would further deepen bilateral
relations and contribute to addressing common global challenges.
The Chairman Senate also highlighted the vast untapped potential for collaboration in sectors including energy, clean technology, mining, information technology, textiles, investment, and innovation.
He observed that Canada’s technological expertise and Pakistan’s young workforce, strategic geographical location, and expanding consumer market offer significant opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, Chairman Senate Gilani said that Minister Anita Anand’s visit would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Canada while opening new avenues for cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Chairman Senate quoted former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lester B. Pearson, saying that lasting peace can only be achieved through greater understanding among peoples.
He noted that the quotation remains deeply relevant today, underscoring that enduring international partnerships are built not only through agreements but also through trust, dialogue, and meaningful human connections.
The Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting stronger ties with Canada and expressed optimism that the bilateral relationship would continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Later on, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her delegation during a meeting held in Islamabad.
The Chairman Senate extended warm greetings on behalf of the Parliament and the people of Pakistan and expressed confidence that the Minister’s visit would open new avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation and parliamentary engagement.
Congratulating Minister Anita Anand on her distinguished career in public service, academia and law, Gilani commended her leadership in key ministerial portfolios and appreciated her commitment to advancing Pakistan–Canada relations.
He noted that the growing momentum of high-level exchanges reflects the shared resolve of both countries to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, energy security, education and people-to-people contacts.
Recalling the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Canada, the Chairman Senate observed that Canada was among the first countries to recognize Pakistan following its independence in 1947, laying the foundation for a strong and enduring bilateral partnership.
He also highlighted that the two countries celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022, marking an important milestone in their shared history.
Gilani recalled his cordial meeting with former Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney during his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, during which issues relating to immigration, employment opportunities for Pakistanis and bilateral cooperation were discussed. He noted with satisfaction that Pakistan–Canada relations have continued to expand across political, economic, parliamentary and cultural spheres.
The Chairman Senate welcomed the positive trajectory of bilateral engagement, recalling the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Ottawa, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership and facilitating Canadian canola exports to Pakistan.
He also appreciated the outcomes of the 6th Round of Pakistan–Canada Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad, which reaffirmed both countries’ resolve to unlock the untapped potential of cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, mining, critical minerals, energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, information technology, education and people-to-people exchanges.
Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Gilani expressed satisfaction over the growing ties between the legislatures of Pakistan and Canada.
He proposed enhanced collaboration between the Parliamentary Friendship Groups of both countries to address common global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, peace and security, and sustainable development.
He appreciated the contributions of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Chair of the Pakistan–Canada Friendship Group in the Senate of Pakistan, Member of Parliament Salma Zahid, Chair of the Canada–Pakistan Friendship Group, and Senator Salma Ataullahjan for their valuable efforts in promoting parliamentary engagement and strengthening bilateral relations.
Highlighting his role as the founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), the Chairman underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting dialogue, peace and international cooperation.
He encouraged Canada to actively engage with the ISC and share its valuable experience in democratic governance, peacebuilding and inclusive development.
The Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Canada within multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Commonwealth of Nations. He appreciated Canada’s support for democratic institutions in Pakistan and acknowledged the constructive role played by both countries in promoting regional and global peace.
Discussing economic cooperation, Chairman Gilani noted the steady growth in bilateral trade and highlighted the vast potential for expanding partnerships in clean technology, energy, oil and gas, agriculture, information technology and infrastructure. He encouraged greater Canadian investment under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), particularly in mining, clean energy, agri-business, information technology and critical minerals.
He also welcomed progress on negotiations for the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), describing it as an important step towards creating a predictable and investor-friendly environment.
The Chairman Senate appreciated Canada’s longstanding support for Pakistan’s healthcare, education and social development sectors, particularly its partnership in maternal and child health initiatives and polio eradication efforts.
He emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration in public health, medical research, agricultural innovation, climate-smart farming, higher education, scientific research and academic exchanges.
Recognizing the significant contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Canada, the Chairman underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts through educational partnerships, scholarships, cultural exchanges, tourism promotion and collaboration between universities, research institutions and think tanks of both countries.
During the meeting, Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir dispute, emphasizing that it remains an internationally recognized issue requiring a peaceful resolution in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Referring to regional developments, Gilani welcomed diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, confidence-building measures and the implementation of agreements that contribute to lasting regional peace.
He stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path towards sustainable stability and mutual understanding.
The Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendship with Canada through enhanced parliamentary cooperation, expanded economic engagement, greater trade and investment, and stronger people-to-people contacts.
He expressed confidence that Minister Anita Anand’s visit would mark a new chapter in Pakistan–Canada relations and contribute to shared peace, prosperity and sustainable development for the benefit of both nations.
