LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed on Saturday that the federal cabinet had given approval for Pakistan’s participation in the Board of Peace, led by US President Donald Trump.
During an official gathering at Davos, Switzerland, last Thursday, a group comprising leaders and senior officials from 19 countries—including Pakistan—signed the founding charter of the organization. The charter originally aimed to oversee peace in Gaza following Israel’s two-year bombardment but now seeks to address broader international conflicts.
In remarks outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Saturday, Sharif highlighted his “fruitful” trip to Davos. He stated that Pakistan had received an invitation from Trump to join the Board of Peace and accepted it after approval from cabinet meetings. He underscored his commitment to maintaining peace in Gaza, respecting Palestinian rights, and fostering the reconstruction of the enclave.
Speaking with the media, Sharif expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Palestinian rights. The premier also discussed a meeting he had with Kristalina Georgieva from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where they discussed economic stability measures that would help stabilize Pakistan’s economy.
On regional security, Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude to President Trump for “saving millions of lives in South Asia” by ending the India-Pakistan war. Although he did not elaborate further on this particular remark, analysts and politicians noted his appreciation for Trump’s role in promoting peace in the region.
Rana Sanaullah, a cabinet aide, confirmed during an interview on Geo News that the federal cabinet had endorsed Pakistan’s decision to join the Board of Peace. He reported that discussions were extensive within the cabinet, leading them to endorse the move and subsequently accept the invitation from President Trump.
However, this initiative has been criticized by some politicians and analysts, who argue that joining the organization was “unwise” and that Pakistan acted prematurely. In response to these criticisms, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, defended the move in a National Assembly meeting, stating it aligned with the interests of the Palestinian people.
Additionally, Maulana Fazlur Rehman from Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) questioned whether Pakistan’s decision to join was influenced by “fear of Trump,” prompting further debate and discussion in Parliament. Despite these challenges, the government maintained its stance, highlighting that Pakistan’s participation aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties with other Muslim nations for peace in Gaza and Palestine.
The issue is still under scrutiny, but Prime Minister Sharif’s cabinet has taken a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation in addressing regional conflicts.