ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged in a crucial telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday, focusing on the rapidly evolving regional dynamics in the Middle East just days before the inaugural gathering of the US President’s Board of Peace scheduled for February 19 in Washington. The discussion underscored Pakistan’s proactive diplomacy to coordinate positions among influential Islamic nations on the post-conflict future of Gaza, amid ongoing implementation of the ceasefire phases endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.
The Foreign Office statement highlighted that both leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation and forthcoming international engagements, agreeing to maintain close coordination in the coming period. This interaction forms part of a broader series of communications initiated by Dar with counterparts in Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia over recent days, aimed at forging a collective approach to address the humanitarian and political challenges in Gaza during the Board of Peace deliberations.
Established under US President Donald Trump’s leadership following the January 22 charter signing in Davos, the Board of Peace comprises 27 member countries and holds a two-year mandate from UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to oversee Gaza’s stabilisation, governance, and reconstruction. Initially focused on implementing the Gaza peace plan, including humanitarian aid surges, hostage returns, prisoner releases, and demilitarisation efforts, the body has drawn participation from several Arab and Islamic states committed to supporting Palestinian interests.
Pakistan’s decision to join as a founding member, following cabinet authorisation and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the Davos ceremony, reflects Islamabad’s strategic intent to influence the board’s agenda constructively. Despite domestic reservations from opposition segments questioning alignment with a US-led initiative lacking direct Palestinian representation, the Foreign Office has emphasised that participation occurs in good faith to amplify a united Islamic voice on Palestine.
The upcoming February 19 meeting in Washington, chaired by Trump and expected to convene heads of state or high-level delegations from at least 20 countries, will prioritise fundraising for Gaza’s multi-billion-dollar reconstruction while detailing plans for a UN-authorised international stabilisation force. US officials have indicated that Trump intends to unveil funding mechanisms requiring contributions from board members, alongside discussions on security arrangements and governance structures in the enclave.
Analysts note that the board’s complex framework includes an executive layer dominated by US representatives, a multinational Gaza-focused executive board, and a Palestinian technical committee, though delineation of responsibilities remains contested. The mechanism aims to transition authority toward Palestinian administration by 2027, contingent on demilitarisation progress and Hamas disarmament, yet faces skepticism regarding effectiveness amid Israel’s parallel role and unclear troop deployment commitments.
Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, including the recent call with Saudi Arabia, seeks to ensure that Islamic nations collectively press for priorities such as unimpeded humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities violations, and a long-term political horizon featuring a viable Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. This aligns with Islamabad’s longstanding policy of supporting Palestinian self-determination while navigating evolving bilateral ties with the United States.
The telephonic exchange also occurs against the backdrop of deepening Pakistan-Saudi cooperation beyond regional politics, as evidenced by recent statements from Saudi officials praising Pakistan’s high-caliber artificial intelligence and technology talent. Saudi Arabia has expressed keen interest in leveraging Pakistani expertise to advance its own technological transformation under Vision 2030 initiatives, highlighting mutual economic benefits amid strengthened strategic partnerships.
As the Board of Peace convenes, expectations centre on whether the forum can translate ambitious reconstruction pledges into tangible outcomes for Gaza’s devastated population, estimated at over two million facing severe infrastructure shortages following prolonged conflict. Pakistan’s involvement positions it to contribute to shaping funding allocations and security frameworks that prioritise civilian welfare and sustainable peace.
The meeting’s outcomes could influence broader Middle East stability, with participating nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and others expected to advocate balanced approaches that address both immediate relief needs and enduring political resolutions. Pakistan remains committed to multilateral efforts under UN auspices while safeguarding core principles on Palestine.