Canada, Pak to expand ties: diplomat

Canada's top diplomat in Pakistan says he hopes to expand bilateral ties during his tenure, with scope for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking on the Tribune Podcast, Tarik Ali Khan pointed to opportunities in agriculture, mining, and renewable energy.

The Canadian diplomat noted a long history of cooperation between the two countries, including joint participation in peace missions. He mentioned Canada is home to a sizable Pakistani expatriate community. "We've enjoyed historically strong ties," he said, adding that strengthening people-to-people connections would be a priority.

Calling it home to "some of the best" academic institutions in the world, Khan also highlighted Canada's openness to Pakistani students. "We look forward to having more Pakistani students in all categories - undergraduate, graduate, and especially PhD scholars," he said.

Asked about his wishlist for his two-year posting as Canada's High Commissioner, Khan said he hopes to meet Pakistanis across the country and experience its cultural diversity.