Pakistan Questions Canada Over Unjustified Visa Rejections

The issue of excessive rejection of Canadian visas for Pakistani nationals has finally been raised by Pakistan.

The Canadian High Commissioner in Islamabad was called and the objection was raised formally in the meeting. Canadian High Commission in Islamabad has been rejecting Pakistan’s visa without a valid reason.

Islamabad raised its concerns saying that in order to have strong bilateral relations between the two countries it is very important that Pakistanis can get into Canada and vice versa. Students taking part in different exchange programs and genuine businessmen from Pakistan traveling to Canada were not granted visas without any reason.

The rejections came without a solid justification and when the number increased, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Ecommerce, Pervez Malik, called on the Canadian High Commissioner. Malik argues that due to this issue Pakistan was unable to participate in the SIAL food show in Canada.

Back in July, Canada turned down all the visa requests of Pakistani participants in the Fourth World Youth Congress. Most of the participants were young graduates and social activists. The organizers from Pakistan for the event were bewildered by the decision since they informed the Canadian government 2 years ago.

The Federal Minister said in the meeting that exchange of people and knowledge is very important for consistent relations between the two countries and turning down so many people without justification is hurting the ties between us.

The Federal Minister also asked the high commissioner that travel advisories issued by Canadian government discourage businessmen from traveling to Pakistan. They should, instead be issued, for certain areas of Pakistan rather than the whole country.

Back in 2007, Pakistan and Canada established a joint working group. Pakistan’s side gave a set of Terms of Reference to identify all the issues that come in the way of the business and bilateral trade. Canada is yet to respond on those ToRs.


  • I was refused a visa during the same period and I have a US Visa and the rejection reason was I did not have travel history.

  • Its justified considering the attacks on parliament members in 2014. Getting a visa is a privilege not a right.

    • what kind of idiot are you , the attacker had nothing to do with Pakistan , Pakistan cannot take the blame for every Muslim out there , besides Indians are getting those visas in huge numbers, that’s just bias against some countries and thanks to idiots like you in our government we are getting pounded by these countries in every way possible from relentless propaganda to unofficial trade sanctions

    • Market access for business people is a right in global trade. This results in trade deficit if our business people are not allowed to travel while their business people can easily do business here.

      • Security of any one country takes precedence over any business. It may be discriminatory but every country has a right to secure their borders from potential threats. I’d rather prefer if Pakistanis stay in their country and fix it rather than running away.

  • I am A PhD doctor and Wanted to attend a research conference for which funding from HEC was also approved. However, I was refused visa stating that I have no reasonable funding :(
    Moreover, there’s is no option to contest or appear in an interview and it’s always a single side decision. What a shame for a country which claims to be the champion of human rights

  • Well, No words for this news because i’ve always thought they are better than any other country. But it seems they are taking some idiotic measures to stop pakistani’s which is super unfair but i guess people should try with a good set of things to obtain a visa i would love to visit Canada for Tourism and explore Canada before thinking about moving there.

    I hope they stop unfairness and allow easy entry to their country!


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