OTTAWA: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada, Muhammad Saleem, delivered a keynote address at Toronto’s historic Albany Club, urging stronger economic cooperation between Pakistan and Canada.

Speaking to an audience of Canadian legislators, business leaders, and policy influencers, Saleem outlined opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment. He emphasized Pakistan’s competitive sectors, including mining and minerals, IT-enabled services, clean energy, and infrastructure, while noting the country’s strategic location as a bridge connecting Central Asia, South Asia, the Gulf, and global markets.

The High Commissioner underscored that Canadian enterprises could benefit from Pakistan’s economic diversification initiatives, particularly in sectors aligned with Canada’s own priorities. He also stressed that sustainable peace in South Asia is vital for regional prosperity, reiterating Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute. Referring to Canada’s first UN peacekeeping mission in Kashmir in 1949, he called for a peaceful resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

The event also featured remarks from Hon. Zee Hamid, MPP and Associate Solicitor General of Ontario, and former MP Bryon Wilfert, Chair of the Canada-Pakistan Business Council, who spoke on strengthening bilateral ties.