PM Shehbaz Sharif Departs for Washington to Attend Trump’s Board of Peace Summit on Gaza

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for the United States on Wednesday to participate in the inaugural global summit of the Board of Peace (BoP), hosted by US President Donald Trump in Washington on February 19.

The prime minister flew from London, where he had spent a brief two-day visit following his official trip to Austria. According to sources, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with President Trump during his Washington visit.

One of the primary objectives of the summit is to mobilise funding for Gaza’s reconstruction. The Board of Peace currently includes over 20 member countries, such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia, Argentina, and Hungary.

Last month, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasised Pakistan’s commitment, stating:

“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.”

Pakistan has reiterated its readiness to play a “constructive role” in the US peace plan for Palestine. The board was launched by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, with world leaders, including PM Shehbaz, endorsing the initiative to pursue a lasting agreement for Gaza.

While some Middle Eastern allies have joined the initiative, many traditional Western partners have not. Permanent membership in the board carries a $1 billion commitment.

A UN Security Council resolution adopted in November authorised the board and its member countries to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire began in October under Trump’s plan, signed by Israel and Hamas.

Since the truce, ceasefire violations have persisted, resulting in over 600 Palestinian casualties. The Board of Peace is expected to oversee temporary governance in Gaza and later expand its mandate to address broader global conflicts.