Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan Calls On Finance Minister Aurangzeb

Islamabad: Pakistan and Canada on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, as Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division.

During the meeting, Senator Aurangzeb welcomed the newly appointed envoy and congratulated him on assuming his responsibilities in Islamabad. He briefed the High Commissioner on Pakistan’s recent economic progress, noting that after a challenging period, the country’s macroeconomic indicators had stabilized, with inflation under control and fiscal discipline restored.

The Finance Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing structural reforms, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and promotion of private sector–led growth as key elements of a sustainable economic recovery plan. He also underscored Pakistan’s engagement with international financial institutions and development partners, emphasizing efforts to attract foreign investment in the energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors.

Citing Canada’s participation in the Reko Diq mining project, Senator Aurangzeb said it reflected the growing potential for deeper economic cooperation between the two countries. He invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, mining, and technology sectors, and called for expanding formal remittance channels from the Pakistani diaspora in Canada.

High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan conveyed greetings from the Government of Canada and appreciated Pakistan’s economic progress under the IMF programme. He said trade diversification remained a key priority for Canada, and his government looked forward to expanding trade, investment, and development collaboration with Pakistan.

Mr. Khan highlighted Canada’s focus on infrastructure, LNG, and critical minerals, noting opportunities to work with Pakistan in these sectors. He also mentioned Canadian renewable energy projects underway in Karachi and expressed Canada’s willingness to support Pakistan’s green transition and climate resilience initiatives.

The High Commissioner underscored the potential for enhancing agricultural trade and private-sector linkages, including through the proposed Canada–Pakistan Chamber of Commerce. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to climate finance and contributions to global climate funds.

Both sides also reviewed progress on the bilateral investment treaty and agreed that its early conclusion would strengthen investor confidence and economic engagement.

The meeting concluded with both countries reiterating their shared resolve to deepen trade, investment, and development ties and to unlock the full potential of Pakistan–Canada relations.