title:Pakistan Turkey Leaders Meet Before Trump Board of Peace DavosCeremony
ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic rapport was on full display as Turkish ForeignMinister Hakan Fidan, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign MinisterSenator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed AsimMunir engaged in light-hearted conversations just before the formal signingceremony of the Board of Peace chaired by US President Donald Trump. Theencounter, occurring on the sidelines of the 56th World Economic Forum inDavos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026, preceded Pakistan’s officialcommitment to the initiative focused on consolidating the Gaza ceasefireand supporting reconstruction, reflecting strengthened ties among keyparticipants.
The Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump, represents a significantmultilateral platform launched to oversee the implementation of a durableceasefire in Gaza, facilitate large-scale humanitarian assistance, andcoordinate reconstruction efforts in the devastated territory. Endorsedunder United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 as part of Trump’scomprehensive Gaza peace plan, the board has attracted participation fromapproximately 35 countries, including major Muslim-majority nations such asPakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Indonesia.The signing ceremony marked the formal establishment of this body, whichTrump described as one of the most consequential international mechanismsever created.
Pakistan’s acceptance of Trump’s invitation, announced by the ForeignOffice on January 21, 2026, underscores Islamabad’s commitment to advancinglasting peace in Gaza through unrestricted humanitarian access and atime-bound path toward Palestinian self-determination. Deputy PrimeMinister Ishaq Dar highlighted this stance in public statements,emphasizing alignment with international efforts to prevent escalation andpromote regional stability. The decision follows earlier coordination amongeight Muslim-majority countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assemblyin September 2025, where they endorsed core elements of Trump’s 20-pointplan.
The pre-signing interaction among Fidan, Dar, and Munir exemplified thedeep fraternal relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, characterized byfrequent high-level engagements in defense, trade, and counterterrorism.Recent bilateral discussions, including joint press conferences andtelephonic consultations between Dar and Fidan, have reinforced mutualsupport on regional issues. Their shared presence and relaxed momentsbefore the ceremony symbolized unity within the board’s diverse coalition,where Türkiye is represented by Fidan as a key executive member alongsidefigures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others.
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s attendance at Davos, accompanying Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif, marked a prominent role for Pakistan’s military leadershipin global diplomatic forums. During the summit, Munir held meetings with USSecretary of State Marco Rubio, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, andSaudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, focusing on bilateralcooperation and regional security. His participation in the Board of Peaceproceedings, including the ceremony where Trump acknowledged selectleaders, highlighted Pakistan’s strategic engagement with major powers amidevolving US-Pakistan dynamics.
President Trump’s initiative has evolved from an initial focus on Gazareconstruction to a broader mechanism potentially addressing globalconflicts, though it pledges collaboration with the United Nations. Theboard includes an executive component with members such as Jared Kushner,Tony Blair, Steve Witkoff, and representatives from Egypt, Qatar, UAE, andTürkiye. While over 30 nations signed the charter, major Western allieslike the UK, France, Germany, and Canada opted for caution, citing concernsover duplication with existing UN frameworks.
Pakistan’s involvement positions it as a bridge between Western-led effortsand perspectives from the Muslim world on the Palestinian issue. TheForeign Office has stressed that participation advances national interestsby contributing to ceasefire enforcement, humanitarian relief, andlong-term stability in Gaza. Analysts note this as part of Islamabad’sproactive multilateral diplomacy, especially given ongoing domesticeconomic challenges and the need to strengthen alliances with the US,Türkiye, and Gulf states.
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The light moments shared by Fidan, Dar, and Munir contrasted with thesolemn agenda of the signing ceremony, where leaders committed to practicalsteps like aid coordination and security oversight. Such personal diplomacyoften underpins formal agreements, fostering trust among partners in acomplex geopolitical landscape. For Pakistan, the event reinforced its rolein international peacebuilding while navigating relations with key globalactors.
As the Board of Peace transitions to operational phases, emphasis willshift to implementing ceasefire modalities, reconstruction projects, andhumanitarian corridors in Gaza. Pakistan’s high-level representation,including its military chief, signals enduring commitment to theseobjectives amid broader efforts to achieve a just and comprehensiveresolution to the conflict.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1968428
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