Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to attend the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington today, marking an important juncture for regional geopolitics. Joining Pakistan will be a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the country’s foreign minister.
The session aims at bolstering Gaza’s ceasefire and securing funding commitments to aid reconstruction efforts, crucial steps for a territory still reeling from years of conflict and blockade. However, before committing troops, which would come through Pakistan’s International Stabilization Force (ISF), there is a need for assurances about the mission’s objectives.
The Board of Peace has been tasked with planning a comprehensive multi-billion dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza, alongside detailing plans for a UN-authorised stabilization force. This initiative aims to stabilize the region and pave the way for economic recovery, which could significantly impact Palestinian governance.
In preparation for this meeting, Prime Minister Sharif will also seek clarity on several critical points such as who leads the ISF and what their scope of operations encompasses. A key concern is ensuring that troops dispatched will be involved solely in peacekeeping roles, without disarming Hamas—a stance supported by his close aide.
Pakistan has previously backed the establishment of this Board to help resolve global conflicts but remains cautious about its broader role. The government’s approach reflects a delicate balance between aligning with US policy and navigating domestic sensitivities, particularly considering Pakistan’s Muslim-majority populace.
As Washington prepares for these discussions, analysts foresee tension among stakeholders regarding the mission’s objectives. While some countries are enthusiastic, others maintain wariness due to concerns it might overshadow UN influence in regional affairs.
The United States’ focus on securing troop commitments from Pakistan underlines its strategic interests in stabilizing Gaza and aligning with international efforts. For its part, Pakistan faces a challenging diplomatic scenario, needing to reconcile its military expertise with the perceived risks of deploying forces potentially implicated in controversial actions like Hamas disarming.
In light of these complex dynamics, Prime Minister Sharif’s visit is anticipated not only to informally gauge US priorities but also to explore potential compromises that might allow Pakistan’s troops to participate effectively without compromising their primary mission. Such a delicate negotiation could set the stage for meaningful cooperation between Pakistani and international forces in Gaza’s future stabilization efforts.