ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Wednesday announced their decision to join United States President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace”, a new international initiative aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and addressing global peace and security challenges.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar welcomed the invitation extended by President Trump to their respective leaders. The statement confirmed that all eight countries had agreed in principle to join the board and would complete the required legal and procedural formalities individually.
“The ministers announce their countries’ shared decision to join the Board of Peace. Each country will sign the joining documents according to its respective relevant legal and other necessary procedures,” the statement said, noting that Pakistan, Egypt and the UAE had already publicly confirmed their participation.
The joint statement reaffirmed support for the peace efforts led by President Trump and endorsed the board’s proposed role as a transitional administration under the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, backed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. The plan aims to consolidate a permanent ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, support Gaza’s reconstruction and advance a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood under international law.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s stance, saying Islamabad would continue to work closely with Arab and Islamic countries for peace in Gaza. “Pakistan has been and will continue to work with our brotherly Arab-Islamic countries for lasting peace in Gaza and for ensuring the right to self-determination of our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” he said in a post on X.
Group of Eight Arab-Islamic countries jointly announce their decision to join the Board of Peace ( BoP). Pakistan has been and will continue to work with our brotherly Arab- Islamic countries for lasting peace in Gaza and for ensuring the right to self determination of our… https://t.co/Cfy1MHYZJ5
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) January 21, 2026
Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that Islamabad had formally accepted President Trump’s invitation, which was extended last week to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The FO said Pakistan hoped the initiative would lead to concrete steps towards a permanent ceasefire, expanded humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza.
🔊PR No.2️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Joint Statement on the Board of Peacehttps://t.co/eRBcSP2VRn
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HBQHxXxI32— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 21, 2026
Trump originally proposed the Board of Peace in September last year as part of his Gaza peace plan. However, invitations sent to global leaders last week outlined a broader mandate for the body, including involvement in resolving conflicts beyond Gaza.
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According to a draft charter seen by Reuters, member states are expected to contribute $1 billion in cash to retain membership beyond three years. The proposed charter grants sweeping powers to President Trump as chairman, including authority over appointments, removals and final approval of decisions, prompting concerns among some governments that the body could undermine the role of the United Nations.
Media reports, including the Financial Times, suggest the Trump administration intends to expand the Board of Peace into a permanent global entity positioned as a more “nimble” alternative to existing international institutions.
