ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (ABC): Pakistan has accepted an invitation from United States President Donald Trump to join the proposed “Board of Peace,” saying the move is aimed at supporting international efforts to achieve lasting peace in Gaza, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Wednesday.
In a statement, the FO said the invitation to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was extended by President Donald J. Trump as part of the US administration’s initiative to establish a new international framework focused initially on Gaza and its post-war governance and reconstruction.
“In response to the invitation extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Pakistan would like to announce its decision to join the Board of Peace as part of its ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza peace plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803,” the statement said.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan hoped the establishment of the proposed framework would lead to concrete progress toward a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an expansion of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, and the reconstruction of the war-affected territory.
The statement further said Pakistan expected that the initiative would contribute to the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through a credible and time-bound political process, consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
According to the FO, Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
“Pakistan looks forward to continuing to play 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 statement added.
President Trump first proposed the creation of the Board of Peace in September last year while announcing a plan to end the Gaza conflict. Invitations sent to world leaders last week outlined a broader mandate for the body, including a potential role in addressing conflicts beyond Gaza.
According to a draft charter circulated by the US administration and seen by Reuters, countries seeking membership beyond an initial three-year period would be required to contribute $1 billion in cash. The charter was reportedly sent to around 60 countries.
The inclusion of a formal charter in the invitation has raised concerns among some European governments, who fear the proposed body could undermine the role of the United Nations. Trump has previously criticised the UN, accusing it of failing to support his conflict-resolution initiatives.
Separately, the Financial Times reported that the Trump administration intends to expand the Board of Peace into a permanent global body that could operate as an alternative to existing international institutions.
The draft charter describes the board as a “more nimble and effective international peace-building body” and proposes that it be chaired by Donald Trump. It states that the board would initially focus on the Gaza conflict before extending its mandate to other global disputes.
Under the draft charter, the chairman would be granted wide executive authority, including the power to appoint and remove member states, with such decisions subject to reversal only by a two-thirds majority vote. The chairman would also retain effective veto power over board decisions.
The document further authorises the chairman to create, amend or dissolve subsidiary entities to carry out the board’s mission. It also allows the chairman to serve indefinitely, subject only to voluntary resignation or removal due to incapacity confirmed by a unanimous board vote.
According to reports, only a limited number of countries — including Hungary, Israel and the United Arab Emirates — have so far accepted the invitation to join the Board of Peace without reservations.