Key Points
- PIA, Canadian High Commission agree to expand air connectivity and trade
- Canada assures support for codeshare and cargo agreements with Canadian carriers
- Partnership aims to enhance investment, tourism, and access to North American markets
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Canadian High Commission have agreed to deepen cooperation to expand investment, cultural exchange, and air connectivity between the two countries.
This came during a meeting between Canada’s High Commissioner Tariq Ali Khan and PIA CEO Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat at the airline’s head office.
The High Commissioner assured full support for codeshare and cargo agreements with Canadian carriers, which PIA says will increase air links, strengthen trade flows, and provide better access for Canadian products in Pakistani markets. The two sides also discussed joint initiatives that could broaden PIA’s reach into the North American region.
#PIA was honoured to host H.E. Mr. Tarik Ali Khan @tarikdev @CanHCPakistan at our #Islamabad offices.
Matters of mutual interest were discussed, including the potential for Canadian companies in #Pakistan's #aviation sector. #CEO AVM Amir Hayat briefed the High Commissioner on… pic.twitter.com/1OsWWvjnMe
— PIA (@Official_PIA) December 12, 2025
During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral ties, aviation collaboration, trade potential, and cultural outreach. The High Commissioner invited PIA to participate in joint programmes to promote travel and tourism, while PIA reaffirmed its commitment to expand operational cooperation with Canadian counterparts.
PIA said it will continue working with the Canadian High Commission to develop facilitation measures in air travel and trade. The High Commission reiterated its support for future codeshare arrangements to aid the airline’s revival and strengthen its global footprint.
Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with Canada, which was one of the first countries to recognise Pakistan as a sovereign independent state in 1947.
The two countries regularly hold bilateral consultations on political matters, while the Pakistani diaspora in Canada numbers around 500,000.
Over the years, the bilateral cooperation and engagement in the political, economic, and cultural arenas between Pakistan and Canada have witnessed a consistent upwards trajectory, according to the Pakistani foreign office.
At present, there are two Pakistan-origin senators and six House of Commons members in the Canadian parliament, who act as a bridge between the two countries.
