Pakistan Joins Trump’s Gaza “Board of Peace”; Sparks Domestic Controversy

Islamabad/Washington: Pakistan has confirmed its participation in the “Board of Peace” set up by U.S. President Donald Trump to oversee a ceasefire in Gaza. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan’s decision reflects support for the Gaza peace initiative. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released an official statement on Wednesday confirming that Pakistan has accepted the invitation to join the board.

However, the decision has triggered backlash within Pakistan. Critics point out that the government did not consult Parliament or engage in any public debate before joining the board. Former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar criticized the move, stating that it demonstrates the government’s disregard for the Pakistani people.

Critics Call the Board “Colonial in Nature”
Khokhar described the Board of Peace as a “colonial attempt,” alleging that it aims not only to exert control over Gaza but also to create a parallel system outside the United Nations. Several experts have expressed concerns that the board could operate independently of existing institutions and established diplomatic mechanisms.

Trump Holds Complete Authority
The former senator described the board as effectively a “private club” for Trump, giving him near-absolute power to implement his personal and U.S. agenda without checks. Key powers include:

• The chairman (Trump) can appoint or remove any member.
• The chairman decides when the board meets and which issues are discussed.
• Trump alone holds full veto power over all decisions.

Khokhar also criticized the $1 billion fee required for permanent membership, calling it an “exclusive club for the wealthy” and warning of the implications of such a setup.

Board Now Includes Eight Muslim Countries
Alongside Pakistan, eight Muslim-majority countries have joined the board: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, and Qatar. Israel initially objected to Turkey and Qatar’s presence but later confirmed its participation through Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office.

Trump has invited 59 world leaders to the Board of Peace, including India, which has not yet responded. The board’s primary purpose is to oversee ceasefire agreements in Gaza and mediate other conflicts.