Pakistan Invited to US ‘Board of Peace’ Meeting on Gaza Conflict

WASHINGTON—Pakistan has been invited by US President Donald Trump to attend what could become a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga of Gaza. The first proposed meeting of Trump’s “Board of Peace” (BoP) is scheduled for February 19th and Islamabad has indicated it will likely participate, according to diplomatic sources.

This invitation underscores Washington’s efforts to build an international coalition on Palestine that extends beyond traditional allies. While Pakistan was one of the 14 founding members who signed onto the Board of Peace charter in Davos last month, its participation is seen as a cautious yet strategic move. The country has always championed Palestinian rights and has sought to maintain involvement without legitimizing external control over Gaza.

The BoP’s first meeting will focus on giving formal shape to the body—including its structure, mandate, and secretariat—sources have revealed. This initial phase aims to establish the foundation for a potentially powerful entity that could address conflicts beyond Palestine.

“There will be significant discussions about how we can make this board effective in addressing global peace issues,” one source explained. “But our main focus at this stage is on laying out the groundwork and ensuring all parties are aligned.”

Despite some skepticism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed to meeting with President Trump ahead of the BoP’s inaugural meeting.

Critics have raised concerns about the initiative, noting its potential to overshadow established international mechanisms like the UN. However, Pakistan remains firmly committed to engaging in these discussions without endorsing the board’s broader vision.

“While we recognize the value of participating,” a Pakistani diplomat said, “our position on key issues such as governance and accountability is clear.”

The Board of Peace could be instrumental in shaping Gaza’s future. Yet, Islamabad faces a delicate balancing act between its commitment to Palestinian self-determination and international law, which are likely to come under increasing scrutiny as the initiative moves from conceptualization into practical implementation.

For Pakistan, participation at this inaugural meeting represents more than just endorsement—it signifies a diplomatic choice aimed at maintaining influence and ensuring that Gaza’s path forward remains aligned with its values. Whether it will ultimately contribute meaningful support or merely provide a platform for dialogue remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Board of Peace will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping Gaza’s future.