ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the first leaders’ meeting of the US-initiated Gaza “Board of Peace” in Washington on February 19, according to diplomatic sources.
The development follows an invitation extended by US President Donald Trump for Pakistan to join the Board of Peace on Gaza, which the Foreign Office confirmed last month. Sources said a final decision regarding the prime minister’s participation would be made in the coming days, following internal consultations.
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“Pakistan will be in attendance. The invitation was sent to the prime minister, and it is expected that he will attend,” diplomatic sources were quoted as saying, adding that an official announcement would be made soon.
The meeting is scheduled to be chaired by President Trump at the Donald J Trump Institute for Peace and is expected to bring together world leaders and key stakeholders. According to earlier reports, the gathering will also serve as a fundraising conference aimed at supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said Pakistan would remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, emphasising the country’s commitment to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in line with United Nations resolutions. Pakistan has reiterated its readiness to play a constructive role in international peace initiatives, while maintaining that it will not deploy troops to Gaza.
At least one world leader has confirmed participation, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announcing that he would attend the meeting in Washington. However, several governments have reacted cautiously to the initiative, and some Western allies have so far refrained from joining.
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The Board of Peace was launched by President Trump in late January with the stated aim of resolving global conflicts. Critics have raised concerns about the initiative, arguing it could undermine the role of the United Nations and lacks Palestinian representation.
The meeting comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has seen repeated violations since coming into effect in October.