PM to represent Pakistan at Gaza Board of Peace meeting in Washington

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will represent the country at the upcoming Gaza Board of Peace meeting in Washington, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.

The Gaza Peace Board was formally established last month, with representatives from around two dozen countries, including Pakistan, signing its charter on Jan. 22.

The Feb. 19 session will be its first official meeting, focusing on post-war reconstruction, humanitarian support, and regional coordination for Gaza.

The confirmation came during a detailed weekly briefing by Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, who outlined Pakistan’s positions on regional security, diplomacy and international engagements.

Andrabi said PM Shehbaz’s participation reflects Islamabad’s continued commitment to peace and diplomatic engagement, particularly on issues related to Gaza.

Pakistan welcomes Iran-US talks

On regional diplomacy, the spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes ongoing Iran–United States talks being held in Oman and appreciates what he described as positive statements from Iran’s foreign minister.

He said earlier negotiations had been planned in Istanbul and that Pakistan had been invited to participate. While the scope of the discussions was later narrowed, Andrabi said Pakistan views the talks positively.

The spokesperson added that Pakistan remains engaged with the United Nations Sanctions Committee and other international partners on terrorism-related concerns.

Addressing regional security, Andrabi referred to what he described as past Indian aggression against Pakistan.

He said Pakistan had successfully downed Indian fighter jets, a claim he said was confirmed by the aircraft manufacturers. He warned that any future aggression from India would be met with a firm response.

In September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the United Nations General Assembly that Pakistan had downed seven Indian fighter jets during the May 2025 conflict, framing it as a decisive response to Indian aggression.

On militant threats, the spokesperson said the mastermind of the Islamic State group is reportedly present in Afghanistan and is collaborating in operations against Pakistan.

Turning to bilateral relations, Andrabi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s diplomatic engagement with the United Arab Emirates resulted in Abu Dhabi agreeing to roll over Pakistan’s debt.

He described the outcome as a positive result of sustained diplomatic efforts.

‘Pakistan does not view cricket as a political tool’

On sports diplomacy, the spokesperson said Pakistan does not view cricket as a political tool.

He said decisions such as not playing cricket matches against India were taken to prevent the sport from being politicized, alleging that India was attempting to use cricket as leverage against Bangladesh.

Pakistan had recently lifted its boycott of India in the T20 World Cup in Colombo, after high-level talks involving the ICC and Bangladesh Cricket Board.

The move was intended to maintain the spirit of cricket amid regional tensions, as Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for over a decade.

On Afghanistan, Andrabi said Pakistan does not want Afghan territory to be used for hostile activities against Pakistan.

He said Islamabad was not aware of Iran’s reported decision to recognize the Afghan government, adding that recognition is a sovereign decision for any state.

Commenting on Israel, the spokesperson said the Israeli prime minister’s decision to join the Gaza Board of Peace meeting was entirely Israel’s own and that Pakistan does not comment on it.

The briefing concluded with Andrabi reiterating Pakistan’s stated commitment to diplomacy, international law and regional stability, even amid ongoing conflicts.