ISLAMABAD: Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will make an official visit to Pakistan on Monday, July 20, marking her first trip to the country, Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced Sunday.
Anand’s trip comes at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. According to the Foreign Office statement, this will be Anand’s first visit to Pakistan since assuming her current role.
During the trip, Anand and Dar are expected to hold bilateral talks covering the full range of Pakistan, Canada relations. The Foreign Office said discussions will center on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, education, and people to people exchanges.
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Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada H.E. Anita Anand to Pakistan (20 July 2026)
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 19, 2026
The two officials are also expected to discuss regional and global developments of shared interest. Anand is also scheduled to meet with Pakistan leadership as part of her visit.
The Canadian government confirmed Anand’s visit, framing it as part of a broader effort to deepen Canada’s strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
According to Canada’s statement, the relationship between the two countries is supported by extensive, 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin living in Canada and roughly 20,000 Canadians currently residing in Pakistan.
Canada’s government also released trade data as part of its statement, noting that bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totaled approximately $1.2 billion in 2025.
That included $499.7 million in Canadian exports to Pakistan, up 65% since 2024, and $696 million in imports from Pakistan.
The statement also noted that Canada hosted the second round of negotiations in June 2026 for a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement between the two countries, signaling continued efforts to formalize economic cooperation.
Monday’s visit is expected to build further momentum in a relationship both countries describe as historically close but recently underrepresented at the highest diplomatic levels.
