PM Shehbaz due in in Washington today for Board of Peace summit for Gaza

2026-02-18 - 07:03

WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is due in Washington on Wednesday (today) to participate in the global summit of the Board of Peace (BoP), an initiative hosted by US President Donald Trump aimed at advancing international peace efforts, particularly in Gaza. The summit is expected to centre on three main objectives: reinforcing the Gaza ceasefire, securing financial commitments for the Board of Peace — with the United States pledging an initial $5 billion — and shaping the structure of a proposed global platform that President Trump envisions as a more agile alternative to existing multilateral institutions. How Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aligns Pakistan’s stance amid these intersecting expectations — while safeguarding strategic balance between Washington and Beijing — is likely to shape both the immediate outcome of the summit and Pakistan’s longer-term role in Gaza’s evolving post-conflict landscape. Delegates are also likely to deliberate on the creation of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF), proposed to oversee security in reconstruction areas and assist in establishing governance arrangements in post-conflict Gaza. For Pakistan, the potential deployment of troops under the ISF framework has emerged as a key consideration. The issue reportedly featured in discussions between Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the recent Munich Security Conference. Diplomatic sources indicate that several Muslim-majority countries are willing to support a stabilisation initiative but remain hesitant about assuming combat responsibilities that could bring their forces into direct conflict with Hamas. Many are also demanding a clear political roadmap towards Palestinian statehood and opposing any Israeli annexation measures in the West Bank. The design of the Board of Peace — described as a compact, leader-driven platform with an operational wing in the form of the ISF and a dedicated funding mechanism — reflects Washington’s preference for coalition-based arrangements operating outside the slower processes of the United Nations. This approach has prompted debate among diplomats and academics regarding both its legal standing and long-term effectiveness. Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi voiced reservations about the initiative, questioning whether the Board of Peace can genuinely deliver sustainable peace. She pointed out that the absence of Palestinian representation raises concerns about its credibility, arguing that excluding a principal stakeholder undermines prospects for a durable settlement and a viable post-conflict framework for Gaza. She further cautioned that externally driven governance models risk replicating historical power imbalances, noting that several invited countries opted not to join due to doubts over the body’s mandate, legality and potential overlap with the UN Security Council. She also expressed concern that Pakistan may have committed prematurely without full clarity on the Board’s long-term objectives. Meanwhile, academic Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University, observed that Prime Minister Shehbaz faces complex domestic and international challenges during his Washington visit. He said the premier must navigate internal political pressures, including civil-military dynamics and security concerns, while also dealing with sensitive political matters at home. On the foreign policy front, Prof Ahmed noted that Islamabad must carefully balance its improving ties with Washington and its longstanding strategic partnership with Beijing. With tensions persisting along both the eastern and western borders, maintaining equilibrium between the United States and China remains critical. The visit is therefore seen not only as an opportunity to define Pakistan’s possible role in Gaza’s post-conflict stabilisation, but also as a test of its broader diplomatic positioning. For the Trump administration, the summit aims to secure troop pledges, reconstruction funding and political backing for a US-led stabilisation model. For participating Muslim and Arab states, engagement hinges on guarantees of a permanent ceasefire, a credible pathway towards Palestinian statehood and a strictly non-combat mandate for any multinational force. Donald Trump invites PM Shehbaz to join Board of Peace on Gaza