Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed hope that the decision by Norway, Spain, and Ireland to recognise Palestinian statehood would encourage other countries to follow suit, paving the way for full UN membership of the state.

“We hope the int’l community pays similar attention to the plight of brave, innocent Kashmiris who are also facing brutal occupation & oppression for the past 76 years,” he said in a social media post on X on Sunday.

He described the decision by the three European states as “bold and principled”.

This came PM Shehbaz during a telephonic conversation with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store where he conveyed his “deep appreciation” for Norway’s landmark decision.

“This principled decision by Norway would send a strong message of hope and solidarity to the brave Palestinian people who have been enduring Israel’s brutality and suffering over seventy-five years of occupation and oppression,” the PM Office media wing quoted him as saying.

The prime minister also welcomed the International Court of Justice’s recent ruling regarding Rafah and Gaza and called for its full implementation. He emphasised the importance of the two-state solution as the “key to lasting peace” in the Middle East.

He further said that the international community needed to focus its attention towards the plight of the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who had been subjected to occupation and denial of fundamental rights for the past seven and a half decades.

During the conversation, both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors, including trade, investment, education, and renewable energy.

They also recognised the important role played by Norwegians of Pakistani origin in creating a vital connection between Pakistan and Norway and contributing to the economic development of both nations.

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“The two leaders agreed to remain in touch and to meet soon, possibly on the margins of the UNGA Session later this year. The Prime Minister also extended a most cordial invitation to Prime Minister Store to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at his earliest convenience,” it was added.

“Both Norway and Pakistan firmly believe that the UN backed two-state solution offers the best path to lasting peace in the Middle East,” PM Shehbaz said in a post and extended an invitation to his Norwegian counterpart to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.