Islamabad (GNP): A Canadian delegation has arrived in Islamabad for the third round of negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with Pakistan. The three-day round, running from 19 to 21 October 2026, is being held at the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Canada’s High Commissioner in Islamabad heads his country’s team, while the SIFC Secretary leads Pakistan’s. Officials from relevant ministries and departments on both sides are taking part.
The SIFC Secretary welcomed the Canadian team and thanked the High Commissioner and his colleagues for their engagement and commitment to the process. He said concluding the BIT would be a significant milestone in Pakistan-Canada relations, giving investors in both countries a predictable, transparent and stable legal framework and boosting foreign direct investment between them.
The High Commissioner thanked Pakistan’s government for hosting the round and for its constructive approach. He restated Canada’s commitment to reaching an early and balanced agreement that serves both countries and their business communities.
Both sides said they are ready to continue work on follow-up items left over from earlier rounds. They agreed to make the most of the three days, covering as much ground as possible and moving toward a finalised treaty text. The delegations noted that the BIT would complement growing economic ties between the two countries and expressed confidence that the round would be productive.
In a meeting with the SIFC Secretary, the Canadian delegation also pointed to Canadian investor interest in Pakistan’s renewable energy, mining, agriculture and information technology sectors.
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The negotiations continue through 21 October 2026.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
