Board of Peace: Pakistan to attend Gaza talks in Washington next week

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the Board of Peace on Gaza meeting in Washington next week.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the prime minister’s delegation is still being finalised.

"Yes, I can confirm that the prime minister will attend the upcoming Board of Peace (BoP) meeting. He will be accompanied by the deputy prime minister /foreign minister. As regards the other members of delegation and on engagements of the delegation in the US, we will inform you in due course of time," he said.

He added Pakistan joined the initiative alongside eight Islamic-Arab countries rather than acting alone.

"So, our collective voice is resonating in the Board of Peace, and we will continue to strive for the rights, peace and prosperity of the people of Palestine, aimed at the long-term solution of the Palestine issue – to create a state of Palestine, in accordance with the pre-1967 border with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital," he said.

US role, Trump remarks and India-Pakistan tensions

The spokesperson said Pakistan appreciated the role of the United States during last year’s military tensions with India.

"The role of the United States was for peace, for prevention of war and prevention of violence. So, in that context, President Trump's statements, previous statements, and these statements are all obviously welcomed and endorsed," he said.

US President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox Business, reiterated his claim that he halted a potential war between India and Pakistan.

"I settled eight wars… Like India and Pakistan. It would have been a nuclear war, in my opinion. They were really going at it, 10 planes were shot down. They were going at it," Trump said.

India has consistently denied any third-party mediation. The tensions followed India’s strikes after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

UN report, Afghanistan and regional security concerns

The spokesperson cited a report by the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee, saying it supports Pakistan’s position on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and conditions in Afghanistan.

"A very significant aspect of the report is that the interim government in Afghanistan continues to provide a permissive environment to a range of terrorists, notably TTP," he said.

He added the report also highlighted the presence of Al Qaeda and Daesh in Afghanistan.

According to the spokesperson, instability in Afghanistan has affected Pakistan’s regional connectivity ambitions for decades. He said improved connectivity could bring prosperity, provided action is taken against militant groups.