On 29 January 2026, during a weekly briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Media journalists questioned spokesperson Tahir Andrabi regarding Pakistan’s signing of the Gaza Board of Peace.
Questions raised that several ministers and Members of National Assembly (MNAs) seemed unaware of its details despite receiving briefings at the Foreign Office. The media sought clarification on the key points of the agreement, whether Cabinet approval was granted through a circulation summary, and whether Pakistan is a permanent or non-permanent member along with any associated membership fee and who paid it.
Questions were also raised about whether the Board could be used beyond Gaza, including for the Kashmir issue, and whether its role might undermine the United Nations, especially amid opposition from major European countries.
Journalists further asked whether the decision was taken by the civilian government, who would represent Pakistan on the Board, and how the government plans to proceed.
In response to the questions, Spokesperson for MOFA, Ambassador Andrabi said that first of all, Pakistan has joined Board of Peace in good faith.
“Our basic objective in joining the Board of Peace is threefold. One, to consolidate and sustain ceasefire in Gaza; second to support reconstruction; and thirdly to advance a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination,” he went on to say further.
Spokesperson further clarified that Pakistan did not join the Board of Peace alone. Seven other important Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia and Qatar have also joined the Board of Peace along with us.
He said that Pakistan’s decision to join the Board of Peace should be seen in the continuum of the initiative by eight Arab Islamic countries to promote peace in Gaza, aimed at achieving a lasting solution to the Palestinian question and this initiative dates back to August and September of last year. He said that all eight countries have joined the Board of Peace with a single collective voice because the Board of Peace offered a viable glimmer of hope for Gaza and for wider Palestinian question.
On suffering of Palestinians and the role of International Court of Justice, spokesperson said, “For over two years’ the people of Gaza have witnessed unprecedented suffering, death and destruction. The UN Security Council remained deadlocked on this issue. The International Court of Justice issued three advisory opinions, and the General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions, all of which failed to prevent the Israeli onslaught. So, in this backdrop, the Board of Peace is a glimmer of hope for Palestine.”
MOFA spokesperson said “it is a misconception that joining Board of Peace is anyway connected to any Abraham Accord. Pakistan’s positions remain unchanged, and we will not become a party to the Abraham Accord.”
With regards to United Nations replacement question, spokesperson stated that the Board of Peace did not replace the United Nations. It has established with a specific mandate authorized by the UN Security Council resolution 2803. He further said that they understand that the Board of Peace is intended to complement and not undermine the UN system.
“Pakistan has not decided to join the International Stabilization Force (ISF) and the membership of the Board of Peace does not imply contributing to troops to ISF,” said spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said that regarding the decision to join the Board of Peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant stakeholders held joint consultations, and that the decision was taken collectively after completing all procedural formalities in accordance with the Rules of Business of the Federal Government.
He added that Pakistan hopes the framework established by the Board of Peace will lead to concrete steps toward a permanent ceasefire, expanded humanitarian assistance, and the reconstruction of Gaza and that would advance the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through a credible, time-bound political process in line with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions, ultimately culminating in an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan looks forward to continuing to play a constructive role as part of the Board of Peace in achieving these objectives and in ending the suffering of the Palestinian people. He explained that Pakistan’s representation at the Board of Peace would depend on the level at which meetings are held, whether at the summit or ministerial level, and that this would become clear as the process moves forward.
Moreover, regarding membership status, he clarified that the Board operates on a three-year membership term, after which a financial contribution is required, adding that there is no distinction between permanent and non-permanent membership linked to financial contributions.
