441-01936 (Foreign affairs)

Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted bilateral relationship, which dates back to 1947, and is underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.

The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation, including in the lead up to general elections announced for February 8, 2023. Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral process and condemns any use of violence for political goals. As part of Canada’s regular interactions with government officials and opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Canadian officials request that all legal and democratic principles be upheld in a fair manner.

Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy, and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law in Pakistan. In fact, the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for Canada’s engagement in Pakistan. Canada continues to advance an inclusive approach to democracy, one that allows people to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact all areas of their lives.

Canada undertakes a variety of efforts to advance these foreign policy priorities. For example, Canadian officials, in Ottawa and at Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials engage in a variety of fora with the aim of supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally implemented projects. Among the core themes of CFLI projects in Pakistan for 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law. Global Affairs Canada is also funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes, and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years.

More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. The two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality and promoting regional security and stability. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic principles. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights and free and fair elections, on an ongoing basis.

The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.