ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani-origin women have secured seats in the Canadian Parliament after the federal elections 2025, marking a proud moment for the Pakistani-Canadian community.
Iqra Khalid, a well-known Liberal politician, has been elected for the fourth time, winning her seat with a lead of over 5,000 votes.
The margin is expected to grow as vote counting continues. A touching moment was captured as Khalid celebrated her victory by embracing her father, moved by emotion.
Meanwhile, Salma Zahid, also a Liberal MP, achieved a strong win by receiving over 21,000 votes, reaffirming her role as a leading voice in Parliament.
Both women continue to represent Ontario ridings and serve as powerful examples of increasing diversity and representation in Canadian politics.
These victories come as early projections show Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party is on track to win the Canadian federal election 2025, following a heated campaign influenced by growing tensions with US President Donald Trump.
The Liberals are set to form their fourth consecutive government, though it remains uncertain whether they will gain a majority (172 seats required) or continue with a minority rule. Final results are expected in the coming days.
This year’s election also made history with over 50 Pakistani-origin candidates running — the highest number ever recorded in a Canadian federal election.
The Liberal Party leads in representing this diverse group, with 15 Pakistani-origin candidates, while the New Democratic Party (NDP) is fielding close to 10.
The continued success of Pakistani-Canadian politicians highlights the growing impact of immigrant communities in shaping Canada’s political future.
History of Pakistani-origin individuals in Canadian politics
Pakistani-origin Canadians have been active in Canadian politics for many years, with several making it to key positions at both federal and provincial levels.
In the past, Wajid Khan and Rahim Jaffer served as Members of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Wajid Khan represented the Mississauga—Streetsville area in Ontario as a Conservative MP, while Rahim Jaffer was elected from Edmonton—Strathcona in Alberta, also as a Conservative.
More recently, two Pakistani-Canadian women have made their mark in federal politics. Iqra Khalid, representing Mississauga—Erin Mills, and Salma Zahid, representing Scarborough Centre, were elected as Liberal MPs in Ontario during the 42nd Canadian Parliament.
Pakistani-Canadians are also active in local and provincial governments.
Salma Ataullahjan, a well-known artist and community leader from Toronto, was appointed to the Canadian Senate in 2010 on the advice of then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
She became the first senator of Pakistani Pushtun background and sits with the Conservative caucus.
At the provincial level, Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, a family physician, served as a Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Etobicoke North in Ontario as part of the Liberal Party.
