Gaza Peace Board: Efforts to establish peace at the international level have intensified amid the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In this series, US President Donald Trump has sent a formal invitation to Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to join the Board of Peace formed for Gaza. Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson has confirmed this invitation and said that Pakistan is ready to play an active role in international efforts for peace and security in Gaza.
Pakistan supported Palestine issue
Pakistan has always supported the Palestine issue and advocated a two-state solution. The Foreign Ministry statement said Pakistan will continue to support all initiatives for a permanent and just solution to Palestine in line with UN resolutions. Many global powers, including America, are taking joint initiatives at the diplomatic level to end the long-running violence in Gaza. The Board of Peace aims to bring together world leaders to achieve lasting peace, security and a future political settlement in Gaza.
This invitation is a diplomatic trap for Pakistan
However, this invitation can also be a diplomatic trap for Pakistan. Under the American strategy, there is a plan to send armies of Muslim countries to Gaza to establish peace. If Pakistan becomes a part of this board, it may have to send its army to Gaza, which may lead to conflict with organizations like Hamas. This will be difficult for the people of Pakistan to accept, because anti-Israel sentiments are strong here. This may also create internal unrest in Pakistan.
It is not easy for Pakistan to reject Trump’s invitation
On the other hand, Pakistan’s economic condition is weak and it needs the help of IMF and America. In such a situation, it is not easy for Pakistan to reject Trump’s invitation, because this may anger America and affect the economic aid. The dilemma facing Pakistan is whether it should increase its diplomatic role by joining this board or avoid domestic and international pressure by staying away from it.
Trump himself is the chairman of this board and it also includes former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi. Israel has objected to this board, because it includes countries like Türkiye and Qatar which it considers supporters of Hamas. Palestinian organization Islamic Jihad has also described it as a board that serves the interests of Israel.
This situation is complex for Pakistan. The Shehbaz Sharif government will have to decide how much and how it will contribute to this international initiative. In the coming days, it will become clear what stand Pakistan takes in this challenging situation and what will be its role in resolving the Gaza crisis.