ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Washington next week to attend the inaugural summit of the Peace Board, sources told The Express PAkGazette, as Pakistan intensified its diplomatic contacts on Wednesday with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, holding separate telephone talks with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts amid evolving regional events.
While a formal announcement about the Prime Minister’s visit is yet to be made, well-placed sources confirmed that it has been decided at the highest level that he will represent Pakistan at the summit scheduled for February 19 in Washington. The high-level meeting, to be chaired by US President Donald Trump, will focus on conflict resolution efforts and post-war stabilization initiatives, particularly in Gaza.
Sources further revealed that there is also a possibility of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Trump at the White House on the sidelines of the summit.
Although no official confirmation has been issued about the possible engagement, diplomatic channels are said to be working on schedule.
Pakistan’s participation in the Peace Board summit reflects Islamabad’s cautious but proactive diplomatic stance as it navigates shifting geopolitical alignments. Officials say the country intends to use the platform to reiterate its principled stance on key international issues, including its long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a sustainable political solution based on international law.
In addition to the peace plan for Gaza, the Prime Minister is likely to discuss tensions between Iran and the United States with President Trump, as Pakistan is one of the countries in the region actively engaging with relevant players to ease tensions between Washington and Iran.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
According to statements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed matters of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to remain in close coordination.
In another phone call, Dar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed regional developments and underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to address emerging challenges. They agreed to continue close engagement and coordination.
The rapprochement with Tehran comes amid increased volatility in the broader Middle East.
Pakistan has repeatedly stressed the need for restraint, de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to avoid further instability in the region.
Sources suggest that Pakistan’s current flurry of engagements, spanning Washington, Ankara and Tehran, indicate a calibrated strategy aimed at strengthening its voice in ongoing global and regional talks.
By participating in the Peace Board summit while also consulting key regional partners, Islamabad appears to be positioning itself as an active but cautious player in evolving diplomatic frameworks.
