LONDON: Pakistan has taken a step on the global diplomatic stage that could carry far-reaching implications, after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the federal cabinet approved the country’s decision to join an international body known as the Board of Peace.
In this case, the Pakistan High Commission in London on Saturday, the prime minister described his recent visit to Davos as “very good,” but offered only limited details about a development that has already begun to attract international attention.
Pakistan accepted an invitation by United States President Donald Trump to become part of the newly formed Board of Peace, following formal approval by the federal cabinet. The leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, were present at a signing ceremony in Davos earlier this week, where the founding charter of the body was endorsed.
The Board of Peace was initially conceived to oversee post-conflict arrangements in Gaza, its charter outlines a broader mandate aimed at addressing international disputes and promoting conflict resolution.
How this expanded role will take shape, and what responsibilities participating states may ultimately assume, remains unclear. Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan joined the initiative with the hope that it would contribute to peace in Gaza, dignity for the Palestinian people, and the reconstruction of the war-affected territory.
He stressed that the humanitarian situation in Gaza required urgent global attention, reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights. The prime minister also referred briefly to his meeting with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, calling the interaction positive.
He did not disclose specifics, but said Pakistan would continue engaging constructively with international financial institutions as part of its economic stabilisation efforts.
In remarks that drew notice, PM Shehbaz also said he had thanked President Trump for what he described as a role in preventing a wider conflict in South Asia, though he did not elaborate on the nature or timing of this intervention.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s aide Rana Sanaullah confirmed that the cabinet had discussed the matter in detail before endorsing the decision.
