ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Foreign Office on Thursday confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the upcoming meeting of the US-backed Board of Peace in Washington, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanying him.
FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, speaking at the weekly media briefing, said the prime minister would lead Pakistan’s delegation to the meeting scheduled for February 19 at the US Institute of Peace. Reports suggest PM Shehbaz is expected to arrive in Washington on February 18.
“I can confirm that the prime minister will attend the upcoming Board of Peace meeting. He will be accompanied by the deputy prime minister and foreign minister,” Andrabi said, adding that further details regarding the delegation and engagements would be shared later.
When asked whether Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir would be part of the delegation, the spokesperson said the information would be disclosed in due course.
Pakistan became a founding member of the Board of Peace after signing its charter on January 22 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. The body, initially proposed in September 2025, was formally established last month, with the US government serving as its depository. President Donald Trump has designated the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington as its headquarters.
A UN Security Council resolution adopted in November 2025 authorised the board to help establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza following a ceasefire brokered under a Trump-backed plan. However, the ceasefire has remained fragile amid repeated violations by Israel.
The board, originally conceived to oversee Gaza’s temporary governance after the ceasefire, was later expanded to address global conflicts. Critics, including rights experts, have questioned the structure of a US-led body overseeing foreign territory and raised concerns over the absence of Palestinian representation.
Responding to questions about Gaza’s lack of representation, Andrabi said Pakistan joined the initiative in good faith and as part of a collective voice of eight Islamic-Arab countries engaged with the US on the Gaza plan.
He reiterated that Pakistan would continue advocating for the rights of Palestinians and a long-term solution based on a pre-1967 border with Al Quds Al Sharif as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
On the possibility of Israel joining the board, Andrabi said it was Israel’s decision and Pakistan would engage with the board with positive intent.
Pakistan Shot Down Indian Rafale Jets: FO
During the briefing, Andrabi also addressed US President Trump’s recent remarks claiming that 10 aircraft were shot down during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025.
The US president had previously mentioned varying figures regarding aircraft losses without specifying the side.
“We appreciate the role of the United States during our 90-hour war with India. Its role was for peace and prevention of violence,” Andrabi said, welcoming Trump’s statements.
He added that Pakistan had shot down “a number of Indian Rafale jets,” claiming that evidence was available internationally and supported by reports, including those from manufacturers.
“This showed Pakistan’s ability to deter aggression through conventional means. Any future aggression will be responded to decisively and forcefully,” he said.
Weaponisation of Cricket Regrettable
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s decision to play a T20 World Cup match against India after initially announcing a boycott, Andrabi said politicising cricket was unfortunate.
“Cricket is a game we cherish. Weaponisation and politicisation of cricket is regrettable,” he said.
He explained that the initial decision not to play reflected the government’s stance against politicisation of sports. However, Pakistan later agreed to play after contacts from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and a realisation by relevant cricket authorities that such politicisation was inappropriate.
“The decision to play reflects the magnanimity of our prime minister and the understanding that cricket should not be weaponised,” he concluded.
