ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the first leaders’ meeting of the US-initiated Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ in Washington on February 19, sources familiar with the matter said.

The development comes after an invitation was extended by US President Donald Trump to Pakistan to join the Board of Peace on Gaza, which was confirmed by the Foreign Office on January 18, 2026.

Sources said the final decision regarding the prime minister’s participation in the high-level moot, to be chaired by Trump at the Donald J Trump Institute for Peace, would be taken in the coming days.

“Pakistan will be in attendance. The invitation was sent to the prime minister, and it is expected that he will attend. Consultations are continuing and, in a few days, the government will make an announcement. It is an important event,” diplomatic sources were quoted as saying.

Last month, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reiterated that Pakistan would continue to engage with international efforts aimed at peace and security in Gaza.

“Pakistan will remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions,” he said.

Pakistan has also repeatedly expressed at international forums its readiness to play a constructive role in the US peace plan for Palestine.

In December 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s civil and military leadership was fully aligned on not sending troops to Gaza to disarm Hamas.

The planned meeting was first reported by Axios, which said the gathering would also serve as a fundraising conference for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Reuters also quoted an official confirming that the Board of Peace meeting is scheduled for February 19, while further questions were referred to the White House.

The meeting will reportedly take place at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has already confirmed his participation, saying he would travel to Washington to attend the summit.

Trump launched the Board of Peace initiative in late January, stating that it aims to resolve global conflicts. However, some experts have expressed concern that the board could undermine the role of the United Nations.

Governments worldwide have reacted cautiously to the invitation. While some Middle Eastern allies have joined, several Western allies have so far stayed away. Reports suggest permanent membership costs $1 billion.

A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorised the board and cooperating countries to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire began in October under a Trump-backed plan agreed upon by Israel and Hamas.

Despite the truce, the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated, with more than 550 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers reportedly killed since October.

Rights experts have criticised the board for resembling a colonial structure and for not including Palestinian representation.

Israel has not issued an immediate response regarding the planned meeting.