441-01598 (Foreign affairs)

The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. 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 our engagement with Pakistan.

Canada undertakes a variety of efforts in support of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. Canadian officials in Ottawa, and at our High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these issues with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials also engage in a variety of fora with the aim of advancing media freedom, supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles.

Canada also helps develop the capacity of civil society actors in Pakistan. For example, Canada is 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. Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad also delivers projects as part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally-implemented projects. Among the core themes for CFLI projects in 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.

More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. Our 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. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $36 million in bilateral development assistance to Pakistan in support of flood recovery, women’s political participation and economic empowerment, girls’ access to education, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights, and polio eradication.

Finally, Pakistan is an integral part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, including support for democracy, inclusivity, accountable governance and sustained economic growth.

Rest assured that Canada will continue to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and that 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.