Canada-Pakistan Relations: Where to Next?

Abstract

As a member of the NATO coalition fighting in Afghanistan, Canada now has a direct interest in day-to-day events in Pakistan. Despite this sea change, it is difficult to identify any uniquely Canadian contribution that could be the basis of an enhanced strategy to deal with Pakistan. Once Canada’s troops withdraw from Pakistan’s doorstep, it seems likely that relations will slip back to the pre-September 11, 2001 mode and the intense Canadian interest in Pakistan will be regarded in future as an aberration. (For a discussion of the implications for Canada of India’s role in Afghanistan see India’s Role in Post-2011 Afghanistan – Can Canada & India Collaborate?)