JI, JUI-F warn against Pakistan’s peace initiative proposal

Senior officials from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) expressed strong reservations regarding Pakistan’s participation in a proposed “Board of Peace” initiative spearheaded by US President Donald Trump. The leaders, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman from JI and Maulana Fazlur Rehman from JUI-F, met at the latter’s residence in Islamabad last Friday to discuss national issues and the situation in Gaza.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, speaking to the media afterward, claimed that a meeting of this so-called Board of Peace was set for February 19. He accused it of circumventing the United Nations and undermining Palestinian interests. “Pakistan’s involvement in this forum is not appropriate under any circumstances,” he said. “Global powers are making a mockery of the Palestinian cause, and our rulers are complicit.”

Fazlur Rehman emphasized that if Pakistan’s government remained loyal to American interests, opposition forces would be prepared for street protests. He added, “We fear that the government may compel us to send troops to Gaza.” Hafiz Naeem, from JI, shared a similar sentiment but also expressed concern: “Pakistan has accepted membership of the board and agreed to attend its meeting. We are worried that the government might be dragged into military involvement in conflict zones.”

The foreign office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would lead Pakistan’s delegation for this upcoming US-led Board of Peace meeting scheduled for February 19 at the United States Institute of Peace, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanying him.

When asked about concerns regarding the absence of Gaza’s representation and Israel’s participation in the board, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi from the Foreign Office stated that Pakistan had joined the initiative “in good faith,” as a part of an eight-member collective group of Islamic-Arab countries. He further noted, “Our collective voice is resonating within the Board of Peace,” adding that Pakistan would continue to advocate for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif serving as its capital.

The Board of Peace was established last month, following a charter signed at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The body is tasked with supporting post-ceasefire stability and conflict resolution under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan.