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The Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver was established in September 2007 to strengthen trade, academic, and cultural ties with the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, as well as the Yukon and Nunavut Territories. These regions collectively represent approximately 27.4% of Canada’s landmass and 28% of its total population. The opening of the Consulate reflects the growing significance of Western Canada, particularly British Columbia’s commitment to fostering connections with the Asia-Pacific region.
Relations between Pakistan and Western Canada continue to expand across various sectors. In 2017, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan accounted for 51.67% of Pakistan’s total trade with Canada and 70.40% of Pakistan’s imports from the country. Trade with British Columbia, in particular, has seen significant growth in recent years.
A vibrant Pakistani-origin community of approximately 70,000 resides within the consular jurisdiction, serving as a strong human bridge between Pakistan and Canada. Since the Consulate’s establishment, the Pakistani community in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, as well as in Alberta and Saskatchewan, has grown significantly, necessitating advanced consular services.
To meet these needs, the Consulate has introduced a Machine Readable Passport facility at its premises and offers online passport renewal services through the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, Islamabad. Additionally, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has implemented online renewal for National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).
Detailed information about services provided by the Government of Pakistan to overseas Pakistanis is available on the Consulate’s website. The website also includes important links to Government of Pakistan resources for individuals interested in pursuing business opportunities with Pakistan.