Davos: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among leaders of fewer than 20 countries who signed the ‘Board of Peace’ charter, unveiled by US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. However, soon after Pakistan joined the initiative, Israel made it clear that it would not allow Islamabad any role in Gaza’s transition or peacekeeping efforts.
Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat, speaking to media on the sidelines of the WEF, explicitly named Pakistan among countries he accused of backing terrorism.
“Any country that supported terror is not welcome… and that includes Pakistan,” Barkat said.
Israel Rejects Pakistan’s Involvement In Gaza
Barkat firmly ruled out Pakistan’s participation in any future peacekeeping or governance framework in Gaza, despite Islamabad signing on to Trump’s initiative.
Responding to questions on possible international peacekeeping forces, Barkat said:
“We will not accept the Qataris, the Turks… and that includes Pakistan. They’ve been very supportive of the jihadi organisation in Gaza, and we will not trust them having boots on the ground.”
While excluding Pakistan, Barkat praised Trump’s broader Gaza peace framework, saying it was preferable to the United Nations, which he described as biased against Israel.
Pakistan Faces Domestic Backlash
Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to sign the charter has triggered sharp criticism within Pakistan, with opponents accusing the government of acting against Palestinian interests.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, strongly opposed the move. In a statement, PTI said Pakistan should not be part of any international initiative that undermines the UN-led multilateral system.
The party demanded a national referendum, arguing that such a decision required public consent.
PTI said it supported the Palestinian people and would reject any plan that went against the wishes of the people of Gaza or Palestine as a whole.
Adding to the pressure, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, chief of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s Senate, called the decision:
“Morally incorrect and indefensible.”
What Is Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’?
The Board of Peace was formally unveiled by Trump as part of the second phase of his 20-point plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. According to reports, the body is also intended to function as a new global conflict-resolution mechanism, with a mandate extending beyond Gaza.
Many observers see the initiative as an attempt to sideline or replace the United Nations in managing international crises.
Reports indicate that permanent membership of the Board could require a $1 billion contribution, raising concerns about exclusivity and influence.
Who Has Signed On So Far?
Although the Trump administration reportedly invited around 60 countries, including major powers like India and China, fewer than 20 participated in the Davos launch.
Countries that have so far accepted Trump’s invitation include:
Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
India was invited but has not yet responded.
Israel-Hamas Context
Reports say that in October, Israel and Hamas agreed to Trump’s peace framework, paving the way for the rollout of the Board of Peace initiative. However, disagreements over governance, security, and international involvement in Gaza remain unresolved.