Hopes concrete steps will be taken towards the implementation of a permanent ceasefire
People gather during the search for the bodies of deceased hostages, kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, October 28, 2025 Photo: Reuters
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has accepted United States President Donald Trump’s invitation to join his Board of Peace, a new international mechanism aimed at supporting the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken following an invitation extended to PM Shehbaz by Trump. The Board of Peace has been constituted under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which calls for concrete steps to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The FO said Pakistan’s participation reflects its longstanding commitment to international peace and security, as well as its consistent support for the Palestinian cause.
“Pakistan hopes 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,” the statement said.
The government underscored that an immediate and durable ceasefire remained critical to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where months of conflict have left thousands dead and displaced large segments of the population. Islamabad also stressed the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access to ensure the delivery of food, medicine and essential supplies to civilians.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian dimension, Pakistan reiterated its principled position on the Palestinian issue, emphasising that lasting peace in the Middle East could not be achieved without addressing the root political causes of the conflict.
The FO said Pakistan hoped the efforts under the Board of Peace would lead to the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through a “credible, time-bound political process”, consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Such a process, the statement added, must culminate 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.
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 was likely to enhance the body’s legitimacy, particularly among Muslim-majority countries, and could help bridge gaps between different international stakeholders involved in the Gaza peace efforts.
The statement did not provide details about the composition of the Board of Peace or its operational modalities, but officials indicated that the forum was expected to play a facilitative role in coordinating ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction, while supporting a broader political track under UN auspices.
Pakistan also conveyed its readiness to play a constructive role within the Board of Peace to help end the suffering of the Palestinian people.
“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,” the FO said.
Islamabad 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 attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, while calling for accountability and adherence to UN resolutions.
Observers 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.
The announcement comes just a day before a formal signing cereminy to establish Board of Peace in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
