KEY POINTS
- Pakistan accepts US invitation to join Trump’s “Board of Peace” on Gaza.
- Pakistan calls for permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid and reconstruction of Gaza.
- Islamabad reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination and sovereign state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
- Several countries have joined the board, while Italy, France, Norway and Sweden have declined or voiced concerns.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the “Board of Peace” as part of Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.
“In response to the invitation extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by the President of the United States, H.E. Donald J. Trump, Pakistan would like to announce its decision to join the Board of Peace (BoP) as part of its ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.
Pakistan expressed the hope that with the creation of this framework, concrete steps will be taken towards the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, further scaling up of humanitarian aid for the Palestinians, as well as reconstruction of Gaza.
“Pakistan also hopes that these efforts will lead to the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Palestine, through a credible, time-bound political process, consistent with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions, resulting in the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” the Foreign Office spokesperson added.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan looks forward to continue playing a constructive role as part of the Board of Peace for the achievement of these goals as well as to “end the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters”.
🔊PR No.2️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Pakistan Accepts Invitation for Joining the Board of Peace BoP with the View to Achieving Lasting Peace in Gaza https://t.co/BX4ufJoPRW
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9JfOoyyfsC— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026
Trump had proposed establishing the Board when he announced his plan last September to end the conflict in Gaza. The board would be chaired for life by Trump.
So far, Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Kosovo, Argentina, Belarus, Hungary, Morocco, and Kazakhstan have accepted the invitation to join the Board of Peace.
Italy has refused to take part in Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative. Meanwhile, Norway and Sweden said they would not be joining the board at this stage, following in the footsteps of France, which has expressed concern that the board could seek to replace the United Nations as the mediator in global conflicts.
‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza
The US-brokered October deal has not progressed beyond the first-phase ceasefire, under which major fighting stopped, some Israeli forces pulled back, and Hamas freed hostages in return for Palestinian detainees and convicted prisoners.
The Board of Peace will supervise the temporary governance of Gaza, which has been under a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas since October.
On Friday, the White House said that it had formed an executive panel tasked with implementing Trump’s Gaza peace plan, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, World Bank President Ajay Banga, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
The panel will supervise portfolios ranging from governance and regional diplomacy to reconstruction financing and investment mobilisation.
According to the White House statement, the ‘Board of Peace’ will provide strategic oversight, coordinate international resources, and ensure accountability during Gaza’s transition from conflict to development. Trump has already named himself chair of the body.
Under Trump’s peace plan, the US also plans to deploy an international stabilisation force and appoint a high representative to coordinate governance, security, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza under the transitional framework.
Pakistan’s consistent and principled stance on Palestine
Ending the war in Gaza, restoring administration, and carrying out reconstruction in Palestine are currently under discussion. These efforts are being examined in the context of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan.
Pakistan has never been a silent spectator on the issue of Palestine, rather than a responsible state, it has consistently sought to play its role in supporting the oppressed Palestinians through humanitarian assistance and by advocating for a just political solution, according to analysts.
Pakistan has historically supported a two-state solution and has repeatedly called on the international community to move beyond crisis management towards a comprehensive political settlement of the Palestinian question.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan’s inclusion in the Board of Peace will enhance the body’s legitimacy.
Pakistan has been vocal in international forums, including the UN General Assembly and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, about the need to protect Palestinian civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.
Pakistani leaders have repeatedly condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians and civilian infrastructure, while calling for accountability and adherence to UN resolutions.
Analysts say Pakistan’s decision to formally join the Board of Peace signals its intent to remain diplomatically engaged on Gaza at a time when global efforts are underway to prevent further escalation and to lay the groundwork for a political settlement.
According to analysts, such participation gives Pakistan an opportunity to influence important outcomes in global peace-related matters. Pakistan’s potential decision to join the Peace Board will certainly prove beneficial for safeguarding Palestinian interests and ensuring transparency and fairness in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Pakistan has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.
Islamabad maintains that any lasting peace effort must ultimately lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital and in line with UN resolutions.
Analysts say if included, Pakistan will play a constructive and stabilising role in supporting peace efforts and humanitarian relief in Gaza.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson said that the country supported the Gaza peace plan endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. The spokesperson expressed hope that the next phase would stabilise the situation in the war-ravaged territory, scale up humanitarian assistance and lead to an independent Palestinian state.
On Saturday, former UK prime minister Tony Blair said that he was “honoured” to be tapped by Trump to help rebuild Gaza.
“I thank President Trump for his leadership in establishing the Board of Peace and am honoured to be appointed to its Executive Board,” the veteran politician and former UN Middle East envoy said in a statement.
