Pakistan becomes signatory as PM Sharif signs Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace

WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday formally joined the US‑led Board of Peace after signing its charter at a ceremony chaired by United States President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The initiative, launched under Trump’s leadership, was initially proposed as a platform to address the war in Gaza. However, officials say the charter gives the body a broader mandate, allowing it to engage on wider global peace and security challenges beyond the Palestinian territory.

World leaders present in Davos are signing the charter in phases during a meeting presided over by the US president, who described the participating countries as close partners.

“Nearly every country wants to be part of this effort,” Trump said, adding that invitations were issued only days earlier and many leaders were already attending the forum in Switzerland.

Opening the session, Trump welcomed the first group of signatories, saying their presence underscored international support for the initiative. He praised the attending heads of government, referring to them as influential leaders on the global stage.

Prime Minister Shehbaz was among the dignitaries seated at the event, a day after Pakistan confirmed its decision to accept the US president’s invitation to join the Board of Peace.

Addressing the gathering, Trump also commented on the Gaza ceasefire, asserting that Hamas must disarm as part of any lasting settlement. Failure to do so, he warned, would bring severe consequences for the group.

The Board of Peace is expected to convene further meetings in the coming months as additional countries formalise their participation.