Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received high praise from US President Donald Trump at the inaugural “Board of Peace” summit on Gaza, highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role in regional stability. Trump called Shehbaz “a great man” while also commending Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir as a “serious fighter.” The summit brings together world leaders to discuss reconstruction, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping in Gaza.
Trump recounted his mediation during last year’s Pakistan-India conflict, stating that 11 jets were shot down before the ceasefire. He credited Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir for helping prevent escalation, describing the premier as a pragmatic and decisive leader. Trump said his intervention included pressure on both countries through trade and tariffs to halt hostilities, calling it “a very big deal” for regional peace.
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The Pakistani delegation, which arrived in Washington earlier, includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. High-level meetings with US officials are expected to follow the summit discussions, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and clarifying Pakistan’s role in the Gaza mission.
Before committing troops to the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), Pakistan seeks assurance that its forces will participate only in a peacekeeping role, not in disarming Hamas. The ISF will operate under US command to stabilize Gaza, oversee humanitarian zones, and protect civilians under the Comprehensive Plan approved by the Board of Peace. Pakistani officials stressed their participation will be strictly limited to peacekeeping duties.
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The Board of Peace, chaired for life by Trump, centralizes authority over Gaza’s governance, demilitarisation, and transitional administration. While the board directs the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, Pakistan has no seat on the executive board. Critics warn that centralized control may sideline Palestinian agency, while supporters highlight the board’s role in facilitating reconstruction, stabilisation, and multilateral cooperation.