Pakistan has signaled a major push for Canadian investment in its mining sector, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif identifying the Barrick Gold-led Reko Diq project as a “landmark” blueprint for future collaboration during a meeting with Canada’s new envoy on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister welcomed the newly appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, Ambassador Tarik Ali Khan, for a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s House. The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and the Foreign Secretary.

Congratulating the High Commissioner on his appointment, Prime Minister Sharif expressed confidence that his tenure would further bolster the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its multifaceted partnership with Canada and extended warm greetings to the Canadian leadership.

Highlighting a key area for economic partnership, the Prime Minister emphasized that the role of Barrick Gold in the Reko Diq initiative represents a pinnacle in Pakistan-Canada economic cooperation. He presented it as an exemplary model for future joint ventures in the resource-rich sector.

In response, High Commissioner Khan thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception and affirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. He noted Canada’s interest in advancing relations across various domains, including agriculture, energy, trade, investment, technology, and education, alongside fostering greater people-to-people exchanges.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to commend the significant contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Canada. He described the community as a vital bridge connecting the two nations and a source of immense pride for Pakistan.