Govt proposes Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Group to boost bilateral ties

September 11, 2025 (MLN): The government has proposed the creation of a "Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Group" to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen people-to-people linkages between Pakistan and Canada.

Chaired by Convener Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi, MNA, the meeting tabled at Parliament House brought together parliamentarians, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Canada H.E. Muhammad Saleem, Trade and Investment Counsellor Mr. Altamash Janjua, and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce.

Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, who floated the proposal, emphasized that institutionalizing parliamentary cooperation would serve as a vital bridge between Pakistan and Canada by leveraging the potential of the diaspora and creating sustainable mechanisms for bilateral engagement.

His proposals included a dedicated facilitation desk for Pakistani scholarship students in Canada, expansion of sports and educational exchange programs, collaboration in the technology sector through the Ministry of IT, and joint health initiatives focusing on research and infrastructure.

High Commissioner Saleem endorsed the idea, highlighting that the creation of the friendship group could help address trade challenges and unlock new investment opportunities.

Director General (Americas) Ms. Atiya Iqbal and Deputy Secretary (Americas) Mr. Taj Muhammad also shared insights into current bilateral mechanisms and extended their support for the initiative.

Furthermore, an agreement to develop a comprehensive action plan to enhance inter-parliamentary exchanges, boost trade and investment, and explore new areas of cooperation in education, technology, and healthcare came in.

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