‘Milestone in bilateral ties’: Norwegian Parliament forms first-ever Pakistan Friendship Group

• Cross-party group includes MPs from Labour and Progress parties with MP Farrukh Qureshi elected Chair

• Move hailed as boost to Pakistan–Norway parliamentary engagement

• Embassy vows closer cooperation to deepen dialogue and institutional links

 OSLO/ISLAMABAD: In a significant development in bilateral parliamentary diplomacy, a formal Pakistan Friendship Group (PFG) has been established for the first time in the Norwegian Parliament, marking a historic milestone in Pakistan–Norway legislative relations.

The cross-party group brings together members from the Labour Party and the Progress Party, including MPs Farrukh Qureshi, Trine Lise Sundnes, Kamzy Gunaratnam, Frode Jacobsen, Erik Hager and Kristine Løfshus Solli, as well as Progress Party MP Himanshu Gulati. The group met at the Norwegian Parliament on June 2, 2026, where MP Farrukh Qureshi was elected Chair, while MP Trine Lise Sundnes was chosen as Deputy Chair.

As of 2026, the Pakistani-origin population in Norway is estimated at around 46,000 to 48,000, comprising both first-generation immigrants and Norwegian-born citizens with Pakistani heritage. The community, which began migrating in the late 1960s, now represents one of the country’s largest and most established non-Western diaspora groups.

Welcoming the formation of the PFG, Pakistan’s Ambassador Saadia Altaf Qazi in Norway described it as a landmark initiative fulfilling a long-standing proposal of the Embassy aimed at strengthening institutional engagement and cooperation between the parliaments of Pakistan and Norway.

She also appreciated the efforts of Chair Farrukh Qureshi and Deputy Chair Trine Lise Sundnes for mobilising cross-party support for the group’s formation.

The Embassy noted that Pakistan already maintains friendship groups in both Houses of the Parliament of Pakistan and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the newly established PFG in Norway to deepen bilateral understanding, dialogue, and cooperation.

A significant portion of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway traces its roots to the Kharian area in Gujrat District of Punjab. Over the years, the community has become well integrated into Norwegian society, with strong representation in education, academia, and politics.

Norwegian Pakistanis are reported to have achieved education levels at or above the national average and hold prominent positions across professional sectors as well as municipal governance structures.