Who is Anita Anand? Canada’s Indian-origin foreign minister visits Pakistan, meets Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif for…, what all they discussed?

Canada’s Indian-origin Foreign Minister Anita Anand has concluded a landmark visit to Pakistan, announcing more than $47 million in security and development assistance while unveiling new plans to strengthen trade, investment and clean energy cooperation between the two countries.

The one-day visit marked the first by a Canadian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades. During her visit, Anand held meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, security, migration and development.

Both countries also agreed to hold regular consultations between their ministries to strengthen bilateral ties. They discussed agricultural trade, clean energy investments and negotiations for a Canada-Pakistan Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA).

What is Canada’s $47 million assistance package for Pakistan?

Canada announced a total package worth more than $47 million. Out of this, $2.2 million has been allocated for security cooperation projects involving Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation.

The security funding will support border management, counterterrorism efforts, financial crime investigations and the fight against transnational organised crime. The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to face militant attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The remaining $45 million will be used for development projects. This includes $10 million to restore education for children affected by floods, $15 million to improve climate resilience through the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, and $20 million to expand reproductive healthcare and family planning services through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

What did Canada and Pakistan discuss on trade and investment?

The two countries agreed to speed up negotiations on a bilateral investment protection agreement following talks held in Canada in June 2026. Anand said the deal would give businesses greater confidence to invest in both countries.

Pakistan also invited Canadian companies to explore opportunities in energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, education and information technology. The two sides highlighted cooperation in solar, wind and battery storage projects, including JCM Power’s planned 240-megawatt Dhabeji hybrid wind-solar project.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also raised the Kashmir issue and urged Canada to support the restoration of the Indus Water Treaty, which India put in abeyance after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Anand also met Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with discussions focusing on regional security, peace and counterterrorism.