ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received an invitation to join the Gaza “Board of Peace” being formed by United States President Donald Trump, the Foreign Office confirmed on Sunday, signalling Islamabad’s potential participation in a new international initiative aimed at addressing the prolonged crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, responding to media queries, said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been invited by the US president to become part of the proposed body. “Pakistan will remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he added.
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Press Remarks by the Spokesperson https://t.co/loyy8yv0aR
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9SetjLwP1V— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2026
The “Board of Peace” is part of what US officials describe as the second phase of President Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, following nearly two years of Israeli bombardment that has left much of the territory devastated. President Trump has already declared himself the chair of the board and has promoted a controversial vision centred on reconstruction and economic development in Gaza.
According to available information, the United States has invited the heads of around 60 countries to join the body. Those reportedly invited include leaders from Turkiye, Egypt, Argentina, Indonesia, Italy, Morocco, Britain, Germany, Canada and Australia. The breadth of invitations suggests Washington is seeking broad international backing for the initiative.
However, the proposed board has also drawn scrutiny. Its charter reportedly does not explicitly mention Gaza, raising questions among analysts about its scope and objectives. Some observers say the structure and mandate of the body suggest it could be positioned as an alternative or rival to existing United Nations-led mechanisms dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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On Friday, President Trump announced the initial members of the board’s executive panel, which include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British prime minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and senior US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. According to Reuters, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has also been named to the board, a move that Israel has reportedly opposed due to its objections to a Turkish role in Gaza.
Other members include UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Sigrid Kaag, Israeli-Cypriot businessman Yakir Gabay, and a minister from the United Arab Emirates, which normalised relations with Israel in 2020.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian technocratic committee intended to oversee governance in Gaza held its first meeting in Cairo on Friday. The meeting was attended by Mr Kushner, who has been closely involved in the initiative. The committee’s head, former Palestinian Authority official Ali Shaath, has outlined plans for large-scale reconstruction, including clearing war debris and rebuilding infrastructure within three years.
Analysts say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the proposed framework can move beyond planning and deliver tangible progress on governance, security and reconstruction in Gaza, amid complex negotiations over demilitarisation and political transition.
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