Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, defended Pakistan’s decision to join the US-led Board of Peace on Gaza. He called the move a “diplomatic success” for the country.
Speaking at a joint session of Parliament, Iqbal responded to criticism from Opposition Leader in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. He said Pakistan does not need lessons on national security and should not be accused of negligence.
US President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Leaders from 19 countries, including Pakistan, signed the founding charter to support peace in Gaza. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan during the ceremony.
Iqbal explained that joining the Gaza Peace Board was a strategic decision to help stop Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians. He emphasized that Pakistan’s principled stance against Israel remains unchanged.
“Israel’s actions have caused the suffering of innocent Palestinians. Pakistan continues to support an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders,” Iqbal stated. He added that Pakistan’s participation ensures the country remains influential in regional diplomacy.
The minister also argued that staying out of the forum could have left Pakistan isolated. He said securing a role at the peace board is a recognition of Pakistan’s importance at a critical time. Iqbal credited eight Islamic countries for helping achieve the ceasefire currently in Gaza.
Earlier, opposition parties protested Pakistan’s involvement in the Gaza Peace Board. Raja Nasir Abbas claimed the decision lacked national consensus, and lawmakers were not informed of the board’s terms. Read our full news on how children in Gaza are returning to school after years of disruption. Stay updated on education and recovery efforts for young students living in Gaza.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticized the move. He told US President Trump was strengthening Israeli aggression and issuing threats to Hamas. He questioned Pakistan’s participation in a forum that, in his view, began with intimidation rather than genuine peace efforts.
Despite the criticism, the government maintains that joining the Gaza Peace Board aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights. Officials argue that it strengthens Pakistan’s role in international diplomacy while advocating for peace in the region.
