Trump will preside over the BoP with broad powers; Member states must contribute $1 billion.
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has been invited to join the newly announced US-led Gaza Peace Board (BoP), a powerful international body tasked with overseeing Gaza’s post-war transition, reconstruction and security restructuring, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said US President Donald Trump had formally invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to be part of the proposed balance of payments, underscoring Islamabad’s continued commitment to international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in Gaza.
“Pakistan will remain committed to international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the question of Palestine in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” Andrabi said, while responding to media questions.
The invitation places Pakistan among a select group of countries courted by Washington as it implements what officials describe as an ambitious and far-reaching Gaza Peace Plan, designed to end the war, rebuild the devastated enclave and establish a new governance and security framework for post-conflict Gaza.
The White House on Friday formally unveiled the structure and initial membership of the BOP. Some observers think the initiative resembled “a kind of mini United Nations,” initially focused on Gaza but with the potential to expand its mandate to other conflict zones in the future.
According to US officials, the BoP will serve as the central political and financial authority overseeing Gaza’s transition phase, working alongside a technocratic Palestinian administration, international security forces and a reconstruction mechanism funded by global taxpayers.
The development has been widely interpreted in diplomatic circles as a bold attempt by the Trump administration to reshape postwar governance in Gaza, while asserting greater American control over traditionally UN-led peacebuilding mechanisms.
Officials in Islamabad see the invitation as an international recognition of Pakistan’s long-standing and principled position on Palestine. “The world has recognized Pakistan’s consistent and principled stance on Palestine,” a senior official said, noting that Pakistan’s inclusion reflects growing confidence in its diplomatic credibility and responsible global role.
Discussions are currently taking place within Pakistan’s leadership over the US-proposed Gaza Peace Plan and the administrative and diplomatic mechanisms under it, including the balance of payments. These mechanisms aim to end hostilities, restore governance, ensure humanitarian aid and undertake large-scale reconstruction in the Palestinian territory.
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan’s possible participation would not be driven by bloc politics, but by its commitment to alleviating the suffering of Palestinian civilians and supporting a just and lasting political settlement based on international law.
The White House said the BOP’s founding executive members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and key architect of previous initiatives in the Middle East.
Other notable figures include Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management; the president of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga; and the deputy national security advisor of the United States, Robert Gabriel.
Leaders from more than 60 countries have been invited to join the broader Peace Council. Canadian media reported that Prime Minister Mark Carney accepted the invitation. Argentine President Javier Milei publicly confirmed their participation, calling it “an honor” and saying that Argentina would support countries that “confront terrorism head-on and promote peace and freedom.”
Türkiye also confirmed having received a formal invitation. Presidential spokesman Burhanettin Duran said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had been invited as a founding member. Egypt said it was examining an invitation for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, while Jordan confirmed that King Abdullah II was also invited and that consultations were taking place.
Under the US plan, Gaza would be administered during a transitional period by a Palestinian technocratic body known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The body will be headed by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, former PA deputy minister under Khan Younis.
The NCAG will oversee the restoration of public services, the reconstruction of civil institutions and the stabilization of daily life, while laying the foundation for long-term governance.
Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed High Representative for Gaza, and will act as a key link between the BoP and the NCAG, with significant executive authority on the ground.
Security will be provided by an International Stabilization Force (ISF), commanded by US Major General Jasper Jeffers, currently head of US special forces. The FSI will lead security operations, support “comprehensive demilitarization” and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials.
A separate Gaza Executive Board has also been formed, bringing together regional and international stakeholders, including Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egyptian General Hassan Rashad, UAE Minister Reem Al-Hashimy, Dutch diplomat Sigrid Kaag and Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay.
The initiative, however, has generated controversy, particularly over its funding and governance model.
According to a draft charter seen by Bloomberg, the Trump administration is asking countries that want a permanent seat in the balance of payments to contribute at least $1 billion. President Trump would be the inaugural president of the BoP and would retain decisive authority over membership and decision-making.
Under the draft, each member state would have one vote and decisions would be made by majority, but all results would be subject to the approval of the president. Membership terms would normally be limited to three years, unless a country contributes more than $1 billion in cash during the first year, in which case the term limit would not apply.
The letter describes the BoP as “an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore reliable and lawful governance, and ensure lasting peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.” The body would become official once three states sign the letter.
A US official confirmed to Bloomberg News that while countries could join without paying, the $1 billion contribution would guarantee permanent membership. The funds, the official said, would be used directly for the reconstruction of Gaza, with assurances that “almost every dollar” would go toward executing the balance of payments mandate.
Critics argue that the structure effectively gives President Trump disproportionate control, raising fears that the BoP could emerge as a rival to the United Nations, an institution that Trump has repeatedly criticized. Some European and regional countries have reportedly expressed serious reservations about the draft charter.
According to people familiar with the discussions, several states are working collectively to reject provisions that would place financial control and agenda-setting powers almost entirely in the hands of the president. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized the initiative, saying its details had not been coordinated with Israel.
Pakistan has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and a two-state solution leading to an independent Palestinian state. Officials said Islamabad would carefully evaluate the structure, mandate and balance of payments implications before deciding on the nature of its commitment.
Analysts believe Pakistan’s involvement could allow it to go beyond declarations and play a practical role in shaping humanitarian aid, reconstruction transparency and political outcomes. “This is an honor, a vote of confidence and a responsibility,” said a senior diplomat. “If handled wisely, Pakistan’s role could significantly contribute to safeguarding Palestinian interests and promoting a just and lasting peace.”
