title:Pakistan Joins Trump-Led Board of Peace for Gaza Initiative
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally accepted United States President DonaldTrump’s invitation to join the newly established Board of Peace for Gaza,with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set to participate in its upcomingmeeting. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs onJanuary 21, 2026, underscores Islamabad’s commitment to internationalefforts aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and reconstruction in thewar-torn Palestinian enclave. This move comes amid evolving diplomaticengagements between Washington and Islamabad following the implementationof Trump’s comprehensive 20-point Gaza peace plan, endorsed partially by UNSecurity Council Resolution 2803 (2025). The Board, chaired by PresidentTrump, seeks to oversee security, humanitarian aid, and political pathwaysin Gaza.
The Board of Peace represents a significant multilateral mechanisminitiated by the Trump administration to coordinate post-conflictarrangements in Gaza after prolonged hostilities. Invitations extended tonearly 60 countries, including diverse nations such as Pakistan, Jordan,Turkey, India, and several European states, highlight its broad yetcontroversial scope. Pakistan’s acceptance positions it alongside otherMuslim-majority countries like Turkey and Jordan, potentially influencingdiscussions on humanitarian corridors, reconstruction funding, andgovernance transitions. Foreign Office statements emphasize alignment withUnited Nations resolutions, ensuring Pakistan’s role supports a justresolution to the Palestine issue without compromising longstandingprinciples.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the Board’s inauguralsession, possibly coinciding with related international forums, signalsPakistan’s proactive diplomacy in Middle East affairs. Analysts note thatIslamabad’s involvement could enhance its voice in mobilizing resources forGaza’s rebuilding, estimated to require billions in international aid amidwidespread destruction. The Board’s charter reportedly includes provisionsfor strategic oversight, with optional financial contributions—such as $1billion for permanent membership—to fund reconstruction efforts. Pakistanhas reiterated its focus on scaling up humanitarian assistance andpermanent ceasefire implementation.
This development occurs against the backdrop of cautious internationalreception to the Board, with some allies questioning its potential toparallel or undermine United Nations frameworks. Critics argue theinitiative, while focused initially on Gaza, carries a broader mandate forglobal conflict resolution, raising concerns over mandate overlap.Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has stressed engagement within UN parameters,reflecting a balanced approach to maintain credibility among Muslim alliesincluding Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. Former diplomats have advisedconsultations with these partners to ensure coordinated positions on suchmechanisms.
Pakistan’s longstanding support for Palestinian self-determination remainscentral to its foreign policy, with consistent advocacy for a two-statesolution based on pre-1967 borders. Joining the Board allows Islamabad tocontribute constructively to de-escalation while addressing immediate needslike aid delivery and infrastructure recovery in Gaza. Recent diplomaticinteractions, including high-level meetings, have facilitated thisengagement, marking a positive trajectory in US-Pakistan relations amidregional complexities. The decision is seen as reinforcing Pakistan’s rolein promoting stability in conflict zones.
The Gaza conflict has resulted in extensive humanitarian challenges, withreports indicating massive displacement and infrastructure damagenecessitating coordinated international response. The Board’s formationaligns with Trump’s plan, which includes disarmament provisions,international security deployments, and economic revitalization. Pakistan’sinclusion could facilitate greater focus on equitable aid distribution andpolitical inclusivity for Palestinians. As the Board convenes, expectationscenter on concrete outcomes to transition Gaza toward sustainable peace anddevelopment.
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Experts highlight potential challenges, including reconciling diversemember interests and ensuring the Board’s actions complement rather thansupplant established multilateral bodies. Pakistan’s principled stance,rooted in UN resolutions, positions it to advocate for Palestinian rightswithin this forum. The acceptance reflects strategic calculus to amplifyinfluence on issues of Muslim-world concern while advancing bilateral tieswith the United States.
This step may pave the way for enhanced cooperation on broader securitymatters, as Pakistan navigates its diplomatic priorities in a multipolarlandscape. With Prime Minister Sharif’s attendance, the meeting could yielddiscussions on immediate humanitarian priorities and long-term frameworksfor Gaza’s governance. Islamabad’s engagement underscores its dedication topeace-building efforts globally.
Source:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-21/pakistan-to-join-board-of-peace-to-support-gaza-peace-plan
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