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.
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. Later on, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her delegation during a meeting held in Islamabad.
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. 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.
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.
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.