Islamabad: H.E. Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, the newly appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division today.
The Finance Minister welcomed the High Commissioner and congratulated him on assuming his responsibilities in Islamabad. Senator Aurangzeb provided an overview of Pakistan's recent economic performance and reform agenda, highlighting improvements in macroeconomic indicators, controlled inflation, and restored fiscal discipline. He noted the government's continued focus on structural reforms, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and private sector-led growth as part of the broader strategy for sustainable economic recovery.
Senator Aurangzeb briefed the High Commissioner on Pakistan's engagement with international financial institutions and development partners, emphasizing the priority to attract foreign direct investment, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors. He cited Canadian participation in projects such as the Reko Diq mine as a reflection of growing economic ties between the two countries.
The Finance Minister underlined the potential to expand bilateral trade, currently below potential levels, and invited greater Canadian investment in renewable energy, mining, and technology sectors. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing formal remittance channels from the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.
High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan conveyed warm greetings from the Government of Canada and commended Pakistan's economic progress under the ongoing IMF programme. He emphasized Canada's focus on trade diversification and the desire to strengthen trade, investment, and development cooperation with Pakistan.
The High Commissioner noted Canada's ongoing infrastructure and energy expansion initiatives, including LNG and critical minerals development, and expressed interest in collaboration with Pakistan. He highlighted Canadian companies' involvement in renewable energy projects in Karachi and reiterated Canada's commitment to supporting Pakistan's green transition and climate resilience efforts.
Mr. Tarik Ali Khan also emphasized opportunities to boost agricultural trade and business-to-business linkages, including through a proposed Canada-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to climate finance and multilateral climate funds.
Both sides exchanged views on ongoing negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty, agreeing that its early conclusion would enhance investor confidence and economic engagement.
The Finance Minister also briefed the High Commissioner on Pakistan's priorities for population management, poverty reduction, and climate adaptation, underscoring the government's commitment to long-term sustainable development.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their mutual resolve to deepen economic and trade cooperation and continue working closely to unlock the full potential of Pakistan-Canada relations.