Indian-Origin Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand Visits Pakistan, First Canadian Foreign Minister to Visit in Nearly 20 Years
International Desk | The Global Journal | Islamabad 20 july 2026
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has visited Pakistan and held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During her visit, she announced more than $47 million in development and security assistance for Pakistan. The two sides also discussed trade, security and a range of regional issues.
Anita Anand, Canada's Indian-origin foreign minister, began her first official visit to Pakistan on Monday. It marks the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.
Soon after arriving in Islamabad, Anand held talks with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two ministers discussed a broad range of bilateral issues, including trade, security and regional developments.
Pakistan Raises Indus Waters Treaty Concerns
During his meeting with Anand, Ishaq Dar raised the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Dar said, “We seek the support of our friendly countries, including Canada, towards the immediate restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty and upholding international law and treaty obligations.”
The Canadian foreign minister's visit comes as Pakistan remains concerned following India's decision to suspend the treaty. India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 civilians were killed.
India has blamed Pakistan-backed terrorists for the attack and linked its decision to suspend the treaty to what it describes as Islamabad's continued support for cross-border terrorism.
Canada Announces More Than $47 Million in Assistance
During a joint press interaction, Anita Anand acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to support dialogue aimed at easing tensions between the United States and Iran in the Middle East.
She said, “I would like to acknowledge Pakistan's efforts in supporting dialogue aimed at achieving a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the regional tensions in the Middle East, including those involving Iran.”
Anand also announced more than $47 million in development and security assistance for Pakistan. Of this, more than $2.2 million will support new security initiatives implemented through Interpol, the United Nations and other international organisations.
According to Anand, the initiatives will focus on border management, counterterrorism, financial crime investigations and training for Pakistani law enforcement agencies.
Calling Pakistan an “important partner” in Canada's trade diversification strategy, Anand said Ottawa was interested in expanding cooperation with Islamabad.
Meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
During her visit, the Canadian foreign minister also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) described the meeting as “warm and cordial.”
According to the PMO, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had directed Anita Anand to expand Canada's engagement with Pakistan.
Pakistan and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947. Anita Anand's visit marks the first visit by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly 20 years.
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