PM Shehbaz invited to join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza: FO

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has received an invitation from United States President Donald Trump to join the proposed “Board of Peace” on Gaza, the Foreign Office confirmed on Sunday.

Responding to media queries, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan would remain engaged with international efforts aimed at peace and security in Gaza, leading to a durable solution to the Palestine issue in line with United Nations resolutions.

Pakistan has reiterated at various international forums its readiness to play a “constructive role” in peace initiatives related to Palestine. However, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said last month that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership was fully aligned on not sending troops to Gaza to disarm Hamas.

Trump’s so-called Board of Peace for post-war Gaza began taking shape on Saturday, with leaders of Egypt, Turkey, Argentina and Canada invited to join. The US president has already named Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British prime minister Tony Blair, and senior negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff as members of the panel, while declaring himself its chair.

The initiative is part of Trump’s controversial vision for Gaza’s post-war governance and economic development, as the Palestinian territory remains devastated after more than two years of Israeli bombardment.

The developments came after a Palestinian technocratic committee intended to govern Gaza held its first meeting in Cairo, attended by Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, who has been working closely with Witkoff on the issue.

Officials in Canada and Turkey indicated willingness to join the board, while Egypt said it was reviewing the request for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s participation. Argentine President Javier Milei described the invitation as an honour.

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According to the White House, the Board of Peace will focus on governance capacity-building, regional relations, reconstruction, investment, and large-scale funding. A draft charter seen by Reuters states that countries seeking extended membership beyond three years would be required to contribute $1 billion in cash to the board.

The proposal has sparked debate internationally, with questions raised over its scope, funding requirements and political implications for the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.