KARACHI: Israel has stated that Pakistan cannot play any role in establishing peace or participating in reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, and has labelled Pakistan, Qatar and Turkiye as supporters of terrorism, excluding them from involvement in peace forces, according to remarks attributed to Israeli economic minister. The statement comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently signed the charter of the Board of Peace — an international initiative aimed at advancing peace in Gaza and post-conflict reconstruction — alongside US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Pakistan’s participation in the initiative has been publicised by the government as part of its diplomatic engagement to support a ceasefire, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, under the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
According to reports in foreign media, Israel has made clear that Pakistan will not be permitted to be a part of peace-keeping or transitional arrangements in Gaza. In comments carried by Indian outlets, Israeli Economic Minister Nir Barkat reportedly included Pakistan among countries he characterised as supporters of terrorism, stating such states would not be welcomed into any peace force. He asserted that Israel would reject peace-force participation from Pakistan, Qatar and Turkiye, alleging they could not be trusted for military operations on the ground.
The controversial remarks have triggered political opposition within Pakistan. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded a national referendum on the decision to join the Board of Peace, arguing that international efforts should strengthen, not bypass, the multilateral United Nations system. PTI leaders said such significant foreign-policy decisions require broad national consultation.
Supporters of the government’s move contend that Pakistan’s involvement remains diplomatic and political rather than military. Officials have explicitly denied that joining the Board of Peace entails deployment of Pakistani troops to Gaza, adding that the initiative is intended to bolster ceasefire, humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts.
Pakistan’s foreign office and government statements maintain that Islamabad’s engagement with the Board of Peace reflects its principled stance in support of Palestinian rights and a constructive role in international peace efforts, even as domestic debate intensifies over the implications of the country’s participation.
