ISLAMABAD: The Minister of Foreign Office on Wednesday confirmed participation in the Gaza Peace Board after a formal invitation extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by the President of the United States, H.E. Donald J. Trump, as part of its ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan under the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
Pakistan hopes that the establishment of this framework will lead to concrete steps towards implementing a permanent ceasefire, scaling up humanitarian aid for the Palestinians, and reconstructing Gaza. Furthermore, Pakistan aspires for these efforts to facilitate the realisation of the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people through a credible, time-bound political process, consistent with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions. This process aims to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan looks forward to playing a constructive role as part of the Board of Peace in achieving these goals and alleviating the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Key Points:
The initiative is supported by multiple significant countries, including several Muslim nations. Turkey, the UAE, and others are already involved, with more countries expected to follow suit.
It aims to resolve the Gaza crisis in accordance with UNSC Resolutions.
The goal is to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which will eventually lead to its reconstruction.
The ultimate aim is to establish peace in Gaza, ensuring the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people, their statehood, and their right to self-determination.
This approach seeks to ensure overall security and stability in the region.
Importance and Historical Context:
This is a pragmatic step towards a political solution for the ongoing crisis in Gaza, involving significant nations, including multiple Muslim countries, working collectively to safeguard Palestinian interests.
It acknowledges Pakistan’s weight and importance in the global community.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s participation in various multilateral forums, especially in an increasingly polarized, militarized, and fragmented world.
Pakistan stands out as one of the few countries without disputes with major global powers such as the USA, China, and Russia, maintaining friendly relations with all. This unique position enables Pakistan to act as a bridge for peace in a world facing uncertainty and change.
Rationale for Pakistan’s Participation in the Board of Peace (BoP):
Pakistan does not align itself with bloc politics. It engages with all nations and prioritizes strategic autonomy, rejecting rigid “either-or” alignments in favor of a balanced and flexible approach.
Pakistan’s foreign policy has consistently promoted its key national interests without compromise, whether regarding China, India, Kashmir, or Palestine. Despite geopolitical pressures in the past, Pakistan has maintained its principled stance. Its position on Gaza and Kashmir remains steadfast: no recognition of Israel and adherence to UN resolutions that respect internationally recognized boundaries, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of a free and independent Palestinian state. Regarding Kashmir, Pakistan maintains that it is a disputed territory whose final status should be determined through a fair and impartial plebiscite in line with relevant UNSC Resolutions.
As geopolitical fault lines become more entrenched, neutrality risks being perceived as irrelevance. For the Muslim world’s most significant military power, inaction is not prudence—it represents a strategic forfeiture.
Pakistan’s credibility is evidenced through its growing contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, earning trust through action rather than mere rhetoric.
To portray Pakistan as a bystander only serves those who benefit from stagnation. In a shifting power landscape, Pakistan’s involvement is not optional—it is a strategic necessity.
Distinction Between ISF and Board of Peace:
Pakistan has clearly defined its position on engagement in ISF, which has been emphasized by the Government of Pakistan at various levels. Participation in ISF will align with our national interests, the UN mandate, and the aspirations of the people of Pakistan and Palestine.
Thus, equating the Board of Peace with participation in ISF is illogical and misplaced.
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