Pakistan has recently welcomed the decision by Western countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Portugal to recognize Palestine as a state. The announcement comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is in New York to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he will highlight the issues of Kashmir and Palestine in his address.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also take part in a key multilateral meeting in New York with US President Donald Trump and other prominent Muslim leaders. The meeting is being held against the backdrop of growing global concern over Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza. According to the White House, discussions will focus on peace in Gaza and proposals for post-war governance.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, at an international conference, urged all countries that have not yet recognized Palestine to do so. He said the move would be an important step towards achieving just and lasting peace in line with international law. Pakistan had recognized Palestine as a state as early as 1988 and has consistently called for its full membership in the United Nations. Pakistan has also demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.