A close-up of a biryani: spiced rice with meat, tomato and herbs
Guide Pakistan → Canada · community · checked 1 Nov 2026

The Pakistani community in Canada

Where Pakistani people live, where they meet, and how to keep a piece of home close.

Photo: Pexels
In numbers

How many Pakistani people live in Canada?

At the 2021 census, 303,260 people in Canada reported Pakistani origin. 245,525 people living in Canada were born in Pakistan, and 36,255 of them arrived from 2016 to 2021. Most South Asians born in Pakistan speak Urdu (78%).

303,260Pakistani origin (2021)
245,525born in Pakistan
36,255arrived 2016 to 2021
212,650in Ontario
162,710in the Toronto area

Statistics Canada, 2021 Census (tables 98-10-0356-01 and 98-10-0302-01; statistical snapshot of Asians in Canada, 2024; Portrait of the South Asian populations in Canada, 2025).

Where people live

Where Pakistani people live in Canada

More than half of Canada's Pakistani community lives in the Toronto area. Calgary, Montréal, Vancouver and Edmonton follow.

TOR
Toronto area162,710 people of Pakistani origin, including Mississauga and Scarborough. 128,305 immigrants here were born in Pakistan.
CAL
Calgary24,050 people of Pakistani origin.
MTL
Montréal16,060 people of Pakistani origin.
VAN
Vancouver15,765 people of Pakistani origin.
EDM
Edmonton12,770 people of Pakistani origin.
Community life

A piece of home, close by

RP
Ridgeway Plaza, MississaugaHome to over 100 restaurants: Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Afghan, Turkish, Indian and other halal food.
GER
Gerrard Street East, TorontoPeople from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka gravitated here; Lahore Tikka House, opened in 1996, became an important centre for Pakistani culture in Toronto, says Heritage Toronto.
Msq
Islamic Foundation of TorontoOn Nugget Avenue in Scarborough, serving the community since 1969.islamicfoundation.ca →
14A
Independence Day, 14 AugustFlag raisings at the High Commission in Ottawa and at the City of Mississauga, and festivals such as the Pakistan Independence Day Mela at the Markham Convention Centre.
PK
Pakistan's missionsThe High Commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver. The Toronto consulate has a NADRA desk for NICOP and Pakistan Origin Cards; Vancouver holds consular camps in Calgary and Edmonton.Toronto consulate →
TV
Pakistani TVThe channels, dramas and cricket from home, in Canada.Read the TV guide →
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Miss home?

The channels you grew up with, here

The news from home, your dramas and the big matches. Live in Canada, on your TV.

How to watch Pakistani TV in Canada →
Advertisement: 157 Pakistani channels, live, with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Online

Where Pakistani people in Canada meet online

Facebook and WhatsApp groups are where much of the community talks: jobs, rooms to rent, advice and events.

FB
Your city's groupSearch Facebook groups for "Pakistanis in" plus your city, like "Pakistanis in Mississauga" or "Pakistanis in Calgary".
Msq
Your mosqueMost mosques post their events, classes and Eid times on Facebook and in WhatsApp groups.
PK
Your consulateNews, services, appointments and consular camps for Pakistanis in its provinces.Vancouver consulate →

Stay safe: groups are great for jobs and rooms, but never send money or photos of your ID to someone you only know from a group.

Quick answers

Questions people ask

How many Pakistani people live in Canada?

At the 2021 census, 303,260 people in Canada reported Pakistani origin, and 245,525 were born in Pakistan. 36,255 people born in Pakistan arrived as immigrants from 2016 to 2021.

Where do most Pakistani people live in Canada?

In Ontario (212,650), above all in the Toronto area (162,710), which includes Mississauga. Calgary, Montréal, Vancouver and Edmonton follow.

Which Pakistani consulate do I go to?

It depends on your province: Pakistan has its High Commission in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver. Vancouver covers Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the territories, and holds consular camps in Calgary and Edmonton.

How do I get a NICOP or a passport in Canada?

At the Toronto consulate's NADRA desk, or online through NADRA's Pak ID website and app. Pakistan began issuing e-passports on 23 October 2026; machine-readable passports issued before then stay valid.

Where can my children learn Urdu?

Many mosques and community centres run weekend Urdu and Quran classes. Ask at your nearest one.

Are there Facebook groups for Pakistani people in Canada?

Yes, lots. Search Facebook groups for "Pakistanis in" plus your city.

Can I watch Pakistani TV in Canada?

Yes. Our Pakistani TV in Canada guide shows every option, from Rogers' Urdu pack and Bell Fibe to the free ARY Plus and Geo apps and all-in-one subscriptions.

More for Pakistani people in Canada

Guides for you

Pakistani TV in CanadaEvery way to watch Pakistani channels, dramas and cricket in Canada, compared.The Pakistani community in CanadaWhere Pakistani people live, community life and where people meet online.
Sources