Why Did Canada Announce USD 47 Million Aid for Pakistan?
Canada's Indian-origin Foreign Minister Anita Anand concluded a landmark visit to Pakistan by announcing a USD 47 million security and development assistance package while both countries pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy and regional security.
Canada's Indian-origin Foreign Minister Anita Anand concluded a landmark visit to Pakistan by announcing a USD 47 million security and development assistance package while both countries pledged to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy and regional security. The visit marks the first by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.
During her visit, Anand met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The two sides agreed to strengthen institutional engagement through regular consultations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, security and development.
Canada Announces USD 47 Million Assistance for Pakistan
According to Global Affairs Canada, the package includes USD 2.2 million for security cooperation projects with Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in partnership with the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation. The funding will support border security, counterterrorism, financial crime investigations and efforts to combat transnational organised crime. US Targets Canadian Wine, Cement and More With 50% Tariffs; Here's Why.
Canada also announced USD 45 million for development initiatives, including:
- USD 10 million to restore education for flood-affected children through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- USD 15 million to strengthen climate resilience through the Aga Khan Foundation Canada.
- USD 20 million to expand reproductive healthcare and family planning services through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Canada and Pakistan Expand Trade and Investment Cooperation
The two countries agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Canada-Pakistan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA). Anita Anand said the pact would provide greater certainty for businesses looking to invest in both countries. Donald Trump Blames Canada for Wildfire Smoke, Threatens To Add Cost to Tariffs.
Pakistan invited Canadian companies to explore opportunities in energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, education, information technology and critical minerals. Both sides also discussed expanding collaboration in solar, wind and battery storage projects.
Anand highlighted Canadian firm JCM Power's planned 240-megawatt Dhabeji hybrid wind-solar project with Karachi Electric and Barrick's investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold project as examples of growing economic ties.
Pakistan Raises Kashmir and Indus Waters Treaty
During the talks, Pakistan also sought Canada's support for restoring the Indus Waters Treaty and raised the Kashmir issue. India suspended the treaty after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Anand also met Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi, where both sides discussed regional peace, security and counterterrorism cooperation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2026 07:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
