ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stands poised to participate in the first formalgathering of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace (BoP) focused onGaza, scheduled for February 19 in Washington. Diplomatic sources confirmedthat Islamabad has received an official invitation and is inclined toattend, marking a significant step in the country’s engagement with theUS-led initiative aimed at stabilizing the conflict-torn enclave.
The Board of Peace, launched by President Trump late last month duringevents surrounding the World Economic Forum in Davos, has already securedcommitments from several nations, including Pakistan as a foundingsignatory on January 22. The body, endorsed by United Nations SecurityCouncil Resolution 2803, is tasked with providing strategic oversight forGaza’s reconstruction, humanitarian aid scaling, and transition towardlasting peace following the fragile ceasefire.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the upcoming Washingtonmeeting will prioritize establishing the board’s operational framework.Discussions are expected to center on defining its structure, mandate,secretariat setup, and mechanisms for resource mobilization. Thisfoundational session comes as the initiative seeks to advance Phase Two ofTrump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, emphasizinggovernance, security, and redevelopment under international supervision.
Pakistan’s involvement reflects its longstanding commitment to Palestinianself-determination and regional stability. In a statement from the Ministryof Foreign Affairs, Islamabad expressed hope that the Board of Peace wouldfacilitate concrete actions toward a permanent ceasefire, increasedhumanitarian assistance, and Gaza’s rebuilding. The country’s participationaligns with broader diplomatic efforts to support UN-backed frameworkswhile advocating for a just resolution grounded in international law.
The invitation extends to nations that have already joined the board,underscoring an outreach strategy to consolidate membership before deeperoperational phases. Reports from multiple international outlets confirmthat the February 19 event will also serve as a fundraising platform forGaza reconstruction, addressing the immense challenges posed by widespreaddestruction in the territory.
Analysts note that the Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump, hasevolved from an initial focus on Gaza postwar management to a potentiallybroader mechanism for conflict resolution. However, its current mandateremains tied to the Gaza peace plan, including coordination with theNational Committee for the Administration of Gaza and deployment oftemporary stabilization forces if required.
Pakistan’s decision to engage stems from strategic interests in Middle Eastpeace processes. As a nation with significant Muslim population andhistorical ties to Arab states, Islamabad views participation as anopportunity to influence outcomes favoring Palestinian rights and two-statesolution principles. Diplomatic channels suggest no immediate plans fortroop contributions, with emphasis placed on diplomatic and humanitariansupport.
The board’s formation has drawn varied international responses. Whilesupporters praise its potential to accelerate reconstruction and aiddelivery, skeptics question its overlap with existing UN mechanisms andlong-term implications for multilateral diplomacy. Despite such concerns,the inclusion of diverse members from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, andLatin America highlights efforts to build inclusive coalitions.
As preparations for the Washington meeting advance, expectations center onclarifying governance protocols and funding commitments. The event at avenue associated with peace institutions signals symbolic importance,aiming to project unity among participating states in addressing Gaza’shumanitarian crisis and long-term stability.
Pakistan’s anticipated attendance reinforces its proactive role in globalpeace efforts. Officials have reiterated that involvement will prioritizehumanitarian priorities and adherence to UN resolutions, contributingconstructively to ending Palestinian suffering and fostering regionalsecurity.
The initiative’s progress remains subject to ongoing developments in Gazaceasefire adherence and stakeholder coordination. With the board’sinaugural leaders’ meeting on the horizon, attention turns to how thisUS-led framework will translate ambitious goals into tangible outcomes forone of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1971859/pakistan-invited-to-first-board-of-peace-meeting-likely-to-attend-say-sources
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