LONDON, Jan 24 (ABC): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the federal cabinet had approved Pakistan’s decision to join the Board of Peace, led by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, the prime minister said Pakistan accepted the invitation only after cabinet approval.
Cabinet endorsement before acceptance
The prime minister said President Trump invited Pakistan to join the Board of Peace. He added that the government discussed the matter in detail before making a decision.
After the cabinet’s approval, he formally accepted the invitation and signed the charter at Davos.
Hope for peace in Gaza
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan joined the initiative with the hope that peace would return to Gaza. He said Palestinians deserved dignity, justice, and reconstruction after years of suffering.
He stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza needed urgent global action. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights.
Board’s wider mandate
The Board of Peace was first created to support peace efforts in Gaza after Israel’s extended military campaign. However, its charter also gives it a broader role in addressing global conflicts.
Leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, signed the charter during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
IMF meeting described as positive
The prime minister called his Davos visit productive. He also met Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
He described the meeting as positive but did not share details. He said Pakistan would continue working with international financial institutions to stabilise its economy.
Regional security remarks
Commenting on regional security, PM Shehbaz said he thanked President Trump for what he described as efforts to prevent a wider conflict in South Asia. He did not provide further details.
Government responds to criticism
Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah said the cabinet had fully discussed the issue before approving Pakistan’s participation.
The decision has faced criticism from some political leaders and analysts. However, the government defended the move in parliament, saying Pakistan joined the initiative in the interest of peace and Gaza’s reconstruction.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s presence on a global peace platform alongside Muslim countries should be seen as a diplomatic success.