Pakistan is preparing to take part in a major international diplomatic initiative as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the inaugural meeting of the newly established Board of Peace, an initiative spearheaded by United States President Donald Trump. The first formal session of the board is scheduled to take place on February 19 in Washington, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Sources have confirmed that the Government of Pakistan has officially communicated the prime minister’s participation to the Gaza Peace Board, signalling Islamabad’s intent to remain actively involved in global peace-building efforts, particularly those connected to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The meeting is expected to draw a select group of world leaders and senior officials to the US capital.
Details of the gathering initially surfaced through the American news outlet Axios, which reported that the event would not only mark the launch of the Board of Peace but would also function as a high-level fundraising platform aimed at mobilising financial support for Gaza’s post-war reconstruction. The meeting is set to be held at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, a venue often associated with major diplomatic initiatives and conflict-resolution discussions.
An official statement later confirmed to Reuters that the Board of Peace session is firmly scheduled for February 19, underscoring the seriousness with which Washington is moving forward with the initiative. The board itself was formally unveiled by President Trump late last month during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where several global leaders publicly endorsed the initiative by signing its founding charter.
During the Davos announcement, a group of senior political figures and leaders from 19 countries stood alongside President Trump, lending their support to the creation of the board. Among them were leaders from Argentina and Hungary, both considered close allies of the US president. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also among those who expressed willingness to engage with the initiative, reflecting Pakistan’s long-standing position of supporting diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has repeatedly reiterated the country’s commitment to international peace efforts, particularly in relation to Gaza and the broader Palestinian issue. Speaking last month, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Islamabad would continue to cooperate with global initiatives focused on restoring peace and security in Gaza, while emphasising that any lasting solution must align with United Nations resolutions and international law.
At various international forums, Pakistan has reaffirmed its readiness to play what it describes as a “constructive and responsible role” in peace efforts related to Palestine, including those led by the United States. Officials in Islamabad view participation in the Board of Peace as an extension of this diplomatic stance, aimed at contributing to dialogue rather than confrontation.
However, the initiative has not been without controversy. Governments across the world have responded cautiously to President Trump’s invitation to join the board. While several Middle Eastern partners of Washington have agreed to take part, a number of traditional Western allies have so far chosen to remain on the sidelines. One factor contributing to this hesitation is the board’s membership structure, which reportedly requires a permanent membership contribution of $1 billion.
The legal framework for the board was laid out through a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November. The resolution authorised the Board of Peace, along with participating countries, to help establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza. This move followed the announcement of a fragile ceasefire in October, brokered under a US-backed plan that received approval from both Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Under the initial outline of President Trump’s Gaza proposal, the Board of Peace was intended to oversee the territory’s temporary governance arrangements during the post-conflict phase. Trump later indicated that the board’s mandate could be expanded beyond Gaza to address other global conflicts, further increasing both its scope and the debate surrounding its role.
Israel’s response to the initiative has been closely watched. However, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately provide comment regarding the upcoming meeting or Israel’s position on the board’s activities.
The initiative has also drawn criticism from human rights advocates and international law experts. Many have argued that placing a US-led body in charge of supervising governance in a foreign territory echoes historical colonial frameworks. Critics have also pointed out that the board does not include direct Palestinian representation, raising concerns about legitimacy and inclusivity.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains highly volatile. Despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October, repeated violations have been reported. Since the truce came into effect, more than 550 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed, underscoring the fragility of the peace arrangement and the challenges facing any diplomatic initiative.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s planned participation in the Board of Peace meeting places Pakistan among the countries seeking to influence the direction of international engagement on Gaza. Pakistani officials believe that continued diplomatic involvement, even amid controversy, is essential to pushing for a sustainable and just resolution to one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.
As the February 19 meeting approaches, global attention is expected to focus not only on who attends but also on the practical outcomes of the gathering — whether it can move beyond symbolism to deliver tangible progress toward stability, reconstruction, and long-term peace in Gaza and beyond.