The High Commission of Canada in Islamabad has welcomed Tarik Ali Khan as Canada’s new High Commissioner to Pakistan, marking the start of a renewed push to deepen bilateral engagement across diplomacy, development, education and trade. The arrival in October 2025 signals a fresh phase in relations built over more than seven decades.
In a social media message from the mission, Team Canada in Pakistan announced the appointment and Mr. Khan conveyed his enthusiasm for the post in a trilingual message in English, French and Urdu, saying in translation “I am ready to explore Pakistan.” The use of three languages underlines his commitment to inclusive outreach and local engagement.
Tarik Ali Khan succeeds Leslie Scanlon, who served as Canada’s envoy in Islamabad from 2021. The new High Commissioner has outlined priorities that include strengthening trade links, expanding people-to-people contacts and promoting cooperation on climate resilience, women’s empowerment, education and technology exchange.
Canada remains a significant trading partner for Pakistan with annual bilateral trade valued at over CAD 1 billion. Under Mr. Khan’s leadership, the High Commission intends to pursue opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, mining and information technology while promoting sustainable trade partnerships that benefit communities on both sides.
Mr. Khan’s arrival comes as Canada advances its Indo-Pacific Strategy, with an emphasis on regional stability and inclusive economic growth. His multilingual approach and focus on education and cultural exchange aim to bolster the thousands of Pakistani students studying in Canada and the active Pakistani-Canadian community that contributes to Canada’s multicultural fabric.
The High Commission in Islamabad says the new High Commissioner will engage broadly with government, business and civil society to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest and to strengthen ties between Canada and Pakistan during his tenure.
