ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received and confirmed an official invitation fromUnited States President Donald Trump to become a member of the newlyproposed Gaza “Board of Peace,” a diplomatic development that has generatedsignificant attention in international circles. The announcement, madepublic through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores Islamabad’scontinued willingness to engage constructively in efforts aimed atachieving stability in the Palestinian territories. Foreign Officespokesperson Tahir Andrabi described the invitation as directed personallyto the Prime Minister, highlighting the high-level nature of thisdiplomatic outreach.
The concept of a Gaza “Board of Peace” appears to represent one of severalpost-conflict governance and reconstruction initiatives being contemplatedby the current United States administration following prolonged hostilitiesin the enclave. Although detailed structural information about the proposedboard remains limited at this stage, diplomatic sources indicate that it isenvisioned as a multilateral coordinating mechanism involving regional andselected international stakeholders. The inclusion of Pakistan, a countrywith no direct geographical contiguity to the conflict zone but significanthistorical and moral engagement with the Palestinian cause, signals anattempt to broaden the diplomatic base of any future arrangement.
Pakistan’s response to the invitation has been carefully worded toemphasize continuity rather than abrupt change in policy. SpokespersonAndrabi reiterated that Islamabad will participate in internationalendeavours consistent with established United Nations resolutions,particularly those calling for a two-state solution based on pre-1967borders. This position aligns with Pakistan’s longstanding support forPalestinian self-determination while maintaining strategic relations withmajor global powers including the United States. Analysts observe that themeasured language reflects a deliberate balancing act between principledsolidarity and pragmatic diplomacy.
Historically, Pakistan has maintained strong public support for Palestine,frequently co-sponsoring resolutions at the United Nations and Organisationof Islamic Cooperation platforms. Successive governments have providedhumanitarian assistance, diplomatic backing, and vocal advocacy on behalfof Palestinian rights. Participation in a US-initiated body, however,introduces a novel dimension, especially given Washington’s traditionallyclose alignment with Israel. Observers note that acceptance of theinvitation could potentially position Pakistan as a bridge between Westernsponsors and Muslim-majority nations deeply invested in the Palestinianquestion.
The timing of the invitation coincides with renewed international focus onpost-conflict governance arrangements for Gaza following successive roundsof escalation. Several proposals circulating in diplomatic channels haveadvocated for temporary international administration, technocraticoversight, or regionally-inclusive supervisory mechanisms to overseereconstruction, security, and eventual political transition. Whether the“Board of Peace” will assume an advisory, supervisory, or operational roleremains subject to further clarification from Washington. Pakistan’sinvolvement, should it materialise, would likely concentrate onhumanitarian and reconstruction aspects rather than direct securityresponsibilities.
Domestic reactions within Pakistan have been mixed, with some politicalcommentators welcoming any opportunity to influence outcomes on Palestinewhile others express caution about perceived alignment with Americanstrategic objectives. Parliamentary figures across party lines have urgedthe government to ensure that participation reinforces rather than dilutesPakistan’s traditional stance. The Foreign Office has indicated thatconsultations with relevant stakeholders will precede any formal decisionregarding the scope and level of engagement.
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From a broader geopolitical perspective, the invitation reflects efforts bythe United States to diversify participation in Middle East peacemakinginitiatives beyond conventional Arab partners. Inclusion of non-Arab Muslimstates such as Pakistan and potentially others could lend greaterlegitimacy to any emerging framework in the eyes of the wider Islamicworld. At the same time, it tests the flexibility of countriestraditionally aligned with Palestinian aspirations when invited intomechanisms sponsored by Washington.
Pakistan’s eventual role, if concretised, will likely be shaped by evolvingcircumstances on the ground in Gaza, progress in ceasefire negotiations,and parallel diplomatic tracks involving other regional actors. The ForeignOffice has reiterated its commitment to a comprehensive and just resolutionof the Palestine issue in accordance with international law and UnitedNations mandates. As discussions proceed, the invitation marks a noteworthychapter in Pakistan’s engagement with one of the most protracted conflictsof modern times.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/[relevant placeholder for officialreporting]
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