Pakistan Joins ‘Gaza Board’ for Sovereign Palestinian State

Thursday, 22 January 2026 | Web Desk

In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan has formally accepted an invitation to join the newly formed Gaza Board of Peace, an initiative spearheaded by the United States. The country’s Foreign Office confirmed the decision on Tuesday.

The invitation was extended to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by US President Donald Trump, as part of broader international efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan’s participation is grounded in its support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which outlines a framework for peace in Gaza. The primary objective of the Board is to implement concrete measures aimed at establishing a permanent and sustainable ceasefire in the region.

“The Board of Peace aims to take practical steps for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” the spokesperson stated. “Pakistan has also emphasized the urgent need to scale up humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people and reiterates its unequivocal support for their right to self-determination.”

Reaffirming Pakistan’s long-standing position, the spokesperson added, “Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state. This state should be based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.” The Foreign Office expressed hope that the Board’s establishment would pave a clearer path toward lasting peace.

The United States is actively encouraging other global leaders to join the Trump-chaired Board. Reports indicate that a contribution fee of $1 billion has been set for countries seeking a permanent seat at the table.

News agency analyses, citing relevant documents, suggest that this new institution could potentially emerge as a parallel or alternative entity to the United Nations in mediating this specific conflict, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic engagement frameworks.

Pakistan’s decision to join is widely seen as balancing its principled support for the Palestinian cause with active participation in a major, US-led diplomatic mechanism aimed at de-escalation and humanitarian relief.