Pakistan and seven other predominantly Muslim nations have declared their decision to participate in the ‘Board of Peace’ initiated by US President Donald Trump. The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar released a joint statement expressing their readiness to join the Board. Each country will complete the necessary procedures to formalize their participation. These countries had collaborated with Trump last year on a plan to address the situation in Gaza. The UAE, Pakistan, and Egypt had already indicated their intention to join the Board.
The ministers reiterated their support for Trump’s peace initiatives and affirmed their commitment to the Board of Peace’s mission. This mission aims to facilitate a permanent ceasefire, aid in Gaza’s reconstruction, and promote a just and enduring peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to collaborating with regional partners for peace in Gaza.
Following an invitation from President Trump, Pakistan confirmed its acceptance to join the Board of Peace to help achieve lasting peace in Gaza. The Foreign Office statement expressed optimism that concrete steps would be taken to implement a permanent ceasefire, enhance humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, and reconstruct Gaza. Pakistan looks forward to contributing constructively to the goals of the Board of Peace and bringing relief to the Palestinian people.
Trump’s proposal to establish the Board was outlined last September, aiming to address conflicts globally. The current invitation to countries includes a draft charter seeking financial contributions for sustainable membership. Reports suggest that the Trump administration plans to expand the Board into a permanent global entity, potentially rivaling the United Nations in peace efforts.
The charter envisions a more agile peace-building body chaired by Trump, initially focusing on the Gaza conflict before expanding to other global conflicts. It grants substantial executive powers to Trump, allowing him to appoint and remove member states, with a veto right over board decisions. The charter emphasizes practical judgment and the willingness to depart from ineffective methods for achieving lasting peace.
Some nations, including Hungary, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, have accepted the invitation to join the Board without reservations.