ISLAMABAD
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.
