WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of high-level meetings with global leaders during his visit to Washington, DC, for the inaugural session of the “Board of Peace”, with discussions focusing on regional stability, global security, and economic cooperation.
Among his key meetings was one with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where they explored critical minerals, energy-sector development, and investment opportunities for American companies in Pakistan.
According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif also engaged with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and fostering regional partnerships.
The US State Department confirmed that Secretary Rubio commended Pakistan’s ongoing support for President Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza and expressed gratitude for the country’s role as a founding member of the Board of Peace.
He also offered condolences regarding recent attacks in Balochistan and Islamabad, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
PM Sharif arrived in Washington on Thursday with a senior delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other cabinet members, following an invitation from US President Donald Trump to participate in the US-led initiative aimed at promoting peace in Gaza and global conflict resolution.
During the summit, President Trump publicly praised PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Asim Munir for their instrumental role in achieving a ceasefire during the May conflict with India, highlighting their leadership and personal commitment to peace.
In his address at the Board of Peace, PM Shehbaz welcomed all efforts toward sustainable peace in Gaza and emphasised the necessity of ending ceasefire violations to enable reconstruction and stability in the war‑torn region.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination and a sovereign, contiguous Palestinian state.
Officials highlighted that any potential participation by Pakistan in an international stabilisation force in Gaza would be carefully considered, with assurances sought that the mission would remain strictly peacekeeping in nature and would not involve disarmament operations against Hamas, as reported by Reuters.
