Shehbaz in Washington for Global Peace Initiative
News Desk
Washington: Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Washington on Thursday to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Gaza, an initiative launched by US President Donald Trump, as Pakistan seeks clarity on the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for the war-torn Palestinian territory.
The prime minister is leading a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
Prime Minister Shehbaz will participate in the February 19 session, which is expected to bring together delegations from at least 20 countries.
He is scheduled to remain in the United States until February 20 and is also expected to hold meetings with senior American officials, possibly including President Trump, on the sidelines of the gathering or at the White House.
Officials said the visit underscores Pakistan’s role in the newly formed Board of Peace aimed at promoting global stability, while also reflecting the country’s expanding diplomatic engagement. The trip is expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral relations between Pakistan and the United States, as well as key regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Ahead of the meeting, sources indicated that Islamabad is seeking firm assurances from Washington before committing any troops to Gaza under the proposed ISF. Pakistan wants clear guarantees that any deployment would strictly be part of a peacekeeping mission and would not involve disarming Hamas.
Read More:https://thepenpk.com/pm-shehbaz-reaches-washington-for-gaza-peace-board/
“We are ready to send troops. Let me make it clear that our troops could only be part of a peace mission in Gaza,” a senior government source said. “We will not be part of any other role, such as disarming Hamas. It is out of the question.”
President Trump, who will chair the session, is expected to unveil a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and outline proposals for a UN-authorised stabilisation force to oversee security, reconstruction and economic recovery in the enclave.
Government sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz intends to seek clarity regarding the ISF’s mandate, legal authority and chain of command before making any decision on troop deployment. One official noted that Pakistan could initially contribute a few thousand troops, provided their role is clearly defined and limited to peacekeeping.
Last month, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to engaging in international efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Gaza in accordance with United Nations resolutions and a lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.
Pakistan has consistently expressed readiness at international forums to play a constructive role in peace initiatives related to Palestine.
President Trump launched the Board of Peace during the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, where several world leaders, including PM Shehbaz, endorsed efforts to pursue a lasting agreement for Gaza.
Trump’s reported 20-point plan for Gaza envisions a force drawn largely from Muslim-majority countries to oversee a transitional period of reconstruction and economic recovery. Washington has been urging Islamabad to join the initiative, and analysts say Pakistan’s experienced military could be a valuable asset to any multinational stabilisation force.
While supporting the establishment of the Board of Peace, Pakistan has voiced reservations about any mission that would involve demilitarising Hamas.
Some countries have also reacted cautiously to the new body, expressing concerns that it could emerge as a rival to the United Nations if its mandate expands beyond Gaza to broader global conflicts.
