30-04-2025
Meet the six Pakistani-Canadians elected in Canada's 2025 Federal election
Dubai: In a significant moment for representation and diversity in Canadian politics, six Pakistani-Canadian candidates including two-women have won seats in the 2025 federal election, all running under the banner of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Among the winners are five returning Members of Parliament and one new MP, reflecting that Pakistani-Canadians' growing political influence and the Liberal Party's inclusive platform. Some 50 candidates of Pakistani origin contested this year's federal election, highlighting an increasing level of civic engagement from the community across Canada.
The successful candidates include: Salma Zahid (Don Valley East, Scarborough), Iqra Khalid (Erin Mills, Mississauga), Shafqat Ali (Brampton—Chinguacousy Park), Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre), Sameer Zuberi (Pierrefonds — Dollard — Quebic), and Aslam Rana (Hamilton Centre).
All, except newcomer Aslam Rana, have previously served as MPs and have built strong reputations in their respective ridings. Notably, Rana's win in Hamilton Centre marks a political shift, unseating the NDP after two decades of dominance in the area.
Iqra Khalid
Elected first in 2015, Iqra Khalid has held her seat in Mississauga—Erin Mills through multiple terms. Born in Pakistan in 1985, she immigrated to Canada via the UK in 1998. A graduate of York University in criminology and professional writing, Khalid later earned a law degree and worked in immigration services. As a Parliamentarian, she has championed human rights and diversity initiatives.
Salma Zahid
Representing Don Valley East since 2015, Zahid is a seasoned politician with a background in public service and community organising. Born in Coventry, UK, and raised in Pakistan, she holds an MBA from Quaid-i-Azam University and a master's degree from the University of London. Zahid has been recognised for her advocacy on behalf of racialised women and received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Shafqat Ali
A real estate professional turned politician, Shafqat Ali won his first seat in 2021 and now represents the newly formed riding of Brampton—Chinguacousy Park. Ali also played a role in the 2025 Liberal leadership race, supporting Mark Carney's bid.
Yasir Naqvi
Previously active in Ontario provincial politics, Yasir Naqvi now serves as MP for Ottawa Centre. Born in Karachi, Naqvi has built a solid political resume, focusing on justice reform, community safety, and public engagement.
Sameer Zuberi
Representing Pierrefonds — Dollard since 2019, Zuberi is of mixed Pakistani, Scottish, and Italian heritage. He serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and sits on the Foreign Affairs committee. Zuberi's background in law and human rights advocacy has shaped his parliamentary work.
Aslam Rana
The newest face among the group, Rana claimed victory in Hamilton Centre, ending a 20-year NDP stronghold. An engineer by profession and community leader by passion, Rana has been active in the Liberal Party since 2010. He migrated from Multan to Hamilton in 2003 and has focused on uplifting underrepresented communities.
2025 Canadian Federal Election
The 45th Canadian general election, held in April 2025, resulted in a hung Parliament with no party securing a clear majority. The Liberal Party, led by a new leader Mark Carney following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's departure from politics, managed to hold onto power by forming government with the support of smaller progressive parties. The Conservative Party saw gains in Western Canada, while the New Democratic Party struggled to maintain its traditional urban strongholds.
Voter turnout was reported at just over 66%, slightly higher than in the 2021 election, with youth and immigrant communities showing increased participation. The election highlighted key issues such as affordability, climate policy, housing, and public healthcare — all areas where many of the elected Pakistani-Canadian MPs have pledged to push for progress.
