Record Number of Pakistani-Origin Candidates Contesting Canadian Elections

Toronto, Canada – A record-breaking number of over 50 Pakistani-origin candidates are set to contest in Canada’s upcoming federal elections scheduled for April 28. This marks the highest number of Pakistani-origin participants in any Canadian election to date.
According to international news sources, the majority of these candidates are running under the banner of the Liberal Party of Canada, with 15 Pakistani-origin contenders. The New Democratic Party (NDP) is fielding close to 10 Pakistani-origin candidates as well.
The Centrist Party, led by a Pakistani-origin leader, also boasts a significant number of Pakistani-origin nominees. Notably, the party leader’s daughter, Zainab Rana, a Grade 12 student, is participating in the elections and is currently the youngest candidate in the race.
Apart from these three main parties, the Green Party of Canada has fielded three Pakistani-origin candidates, including student Afraa Baig. Additionally, Salman Zafar is representing the Communist Party, while Najeeb Butt is running with the People’s Party of Canada.
Beyond party-affiliated candidates, five Pakistani-origin individuals are also contesting the election as independents.
Among the prominent names are five former Members of Parliament: Salma Zahid, Iqra Khalid, Shafqat Ali, Yasir Naqvi, and Sameer Zuberi, who are once again in the electoral fray.
This growing representation reflects the increasing political engagement and influence of the Pakistani-Canadian community across the country’s political landscape.