Pakistan’s Voice at the Board of Peace -

By Junaid Qaiser
The inaugural summit of the Board of Peace in Washington marked an ambitious moment in contemporary diplomacy. With nearly 50 nations in attendance and more than $17 billion pledged for Gaza’s reconstruction and stabilization, the gathering signaled that the international community is prepared to move from rhetoric to reconstruction.
Chaired by Donald Trump, the meeting combined ceremony with substance. While the optics were deliberate — a golden gavel, national delegations, and a formal group photograph — the central message was pragmatic: peace in Gaza is achievable, provided the political will and financial commitments align.
President Trump’s keynote address framed the Board of Peace as a results-oriented platform, not merely another multilateral forum. He underscored the United States’ $10 billion commitment to Gaza and highlighted an additional $7 billion-plus mobilized from international partners. Plans for an International Stabilization Force (ISF), potentially comprising up to 20,000 troops, reinforced the message that reconstruction will be anchored in security and institutional rebuilding.
During his address, President Donald Trump expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. His comments were both candid and personal. “I have a lot of respect for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” he said, recalling how their diplomatic interactions during the fraught days of the Pakistan-India crisis helped create a working relationship centered on crisis management.
Reflecting on that period of increased tension between the two nuclear powers, President Trump emphasized that it was during those challenging times that their communication channels became stronger. The message was unmistakable: even in tough situations, diplomacy can build a foundation of trust.
For Pakistan, the acknowledgment was more than courtesy. It reflected Islamabad’s evolving diplomatic posture — one that combines strategic steadiness with political engagement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation at the Board of Peace underscored Pakistan’s readiness to contribute constructively to multilateral efforts, particularly on issues as sensitive as Gaza’s ceasefire enforcement and reconstruction.

Field Marshal Asim Munir’s mention in the same breath reinforced the message that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership remain aligned on questions of regional stability. In an era when global crises demand coordinated responses, such cohesion strengthens Islamabad’s credibility.
For Pakistan, the summit provided a platform to articulate both principle and pragmatism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a measured yet resolute address, emphasizing that ceasefire violations must end to preserve life and enable reconstruction. His remarks underscored that sustainable peace in Gaza cannot be separated from the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz adopted a forward-looking tone, expressing confidence that under decisive international leadership, Gaza can transition from devastation to development. His remarks reflected Pakistan’s diplomatic maturity — balancing moral clarity with engagement.
The Board of Peace meeting itself was ambitious in scope, centered on financial commitments, security arrangements, and long-term stabilization strategies for Gaza. However, beyond the pledges and policy frameworks, diplomacy remains rooted in relationships. Thursday’s exchange illustrated how Pakistan’s leadership has positioned itself as a responsible stakeholder — capable of engaging major powers while upholding principled positions.
Islamabad’s voice at the Board of Peace was not just heard; it was acknowledged. In a world that often feels unpredictable, recognition is key to relevance. And when that relevance is handled wisely, it can turn into genuine influence.
Gaza’s path ahead remains demanding. Demilitarization, reconstruction, and political reconciliation will test the resolve of all stakeholders. However, for the first time in months, the conversation in Washington centered not on escalation, but on investment, stabilization, and opportunity. If the commitments announced at the Board of Peace translate into concrete progress on the ground, the summit will stand as more than a ceremonial gathering — it will mark the beginning of a structured, internationally backed effort to secure a just and lasting peace in Gaza.