PakistaniCanadian

Pakistani Canadian refers to Canadians of Pakistani origin or heritage. The term encompasses people born in Pakistan as well as Canadians who trace their ancestry to Pakistan, and it is used to describe a component of Canada's diverse multicultural landscape.

Migration history and demographics: Beginning in the late 1960s and 1970s, Pakistanis began moving to Canada as skilled workers, students, and family members. Today, sizeable Pakistani Canadian communities are concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia, with large populations in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton) and Greater Vancouver (Vancouver, Surrey), as well as in Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal. Many speak Urdu or Punjabi at home, while English or French are common in daily life.

Culture and society: Pakistani Canadians maintain cultural and religious traditions, including Islam, Eid celebrations, weddings, and culinary traditions such as biryani, kebabs, and samosas. The community supports mosques, cultural associations, and media in multiple languages and engages in education, business, healthcare, technology, and public service.

Politics and organizations: The community participates in civic life through advocacy groups, student associations, and professional networks. Organizations such as Canada-Pakistan associations and regional cultural groups promote social cohesion and bilateral ties between Canada and Pakistan.

Nationality and identity: As part of Canada’s immigrant communities, Pakistani Canadians navigate multiple identities, balancing integration into Canadian society with the preservation of linguistic and cultural ties to Pakistan. The community contributes to Canadian arts, sciences, business, and public life while maintaining connections to Pakistani heritage.