ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to attend the inaugural session of the US President Donald Trump-led Board of Peace on February 19 in Washington, sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The sources said that the government of Pakistan has formally conveyed the prime minister’s participation to the Gaza Peace Board ahead of the high-level meeting.
The planned gathering was first reported by US media outlet Axios, which noted that the event would also function as a fundraising conference for the reconstruction of Gaza. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC.
An official confirmation was also issued to Reuters, stating: “We can confirm the Board of Peace meeting is scheduled on February 19.”
Last month, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to international efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Gaza.
“Pakistan will remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he said.
Pakistan has consistently stated at international forums that it is ready to play a constructive role in the US-led peace initiative for Palestine.
President Trump formally launched the Board of Peace during the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, where several world leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, endorsed the initiative aimed at pursuing a durable agreement for Gaza.
Leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including close US allies such as Argentina and Hungary, joined the American president on stage to sign the founding charter of the board.
Global reaction to the initiative has remained cautious. While several Middle Eastern allies of Washington have joined the board, many traditional Western allies have so far stayed away. Permanent membership of the board reportedly requires a contribution of $1 billion.
A United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorised the board and cooperating countries to help establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire came into effect in October under a US-backed plan agreed to by Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.
Under the plan unveiled by Trump late last year, the board was initially intended to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance, before its mandate was later expanded to address global conflicts.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Gaza has been repeatedly violated. Since October, more than 550 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed amid renewed hostilities.