WASHINGTON (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday highlighted the urgent need to stop ceasefire violations in Gaza, calling it “very important” for achieving lasting peace in the war-torn region.
The premier made these remarks during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald J. Trump, in Washington.
“The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering. To achieve lasting peace, ceasefire violations must end to preserve life and enable reconstruction,” PM Shehbaz said. He added that Palestinians must have full control over their land and future, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister also stressed the need for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination through an independent, sovereign, and contiguous state of Palestine. He expressed hope that under Trump’s “visionary and dynamic leadership,” a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue would be achieved.
Addressing Trump, PM Shehbaz said, “Today marks a historic opportunity to achieve long-lasting peace in Gaza through your efforts and unwavering support. This will be your legacy for generations to come.”
The meeting comes months after the Board of Peace was proposed in September 2025 and formally established last month. Under its charter, the US government serves as its official depository, and the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington functions as its headquarters.
A UN Security Council resolution adopted in November 2025 authorised the Board, along with cooperating states, to establish an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza following a ceasefire initiated in October under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas. Despite this, ceasefire violations by Israel have persisted.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz praised Trump for his global peace efforts, including his intervention to halt the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, which averted the loss of millions of lives.
Trump Praises PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir
US President Trump, addressing the summit, mentioned PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir, commending their leadership. Trump recalled the tense May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, in which numerous planes were shot down, and said his intervention helped prevent a wider disaster.
Trump described PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir as “tough, serious, and capable leaders” and praised the resolution of the conflict within a few days. He also noted the “significant progress” in Pakistan-India relations following his diplomatic efforts and called Modi a “great man and a great guy.”
President Donald Trump on Thursday pledged $10 billion in US funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and declared he would be the first to deliver lasting peace to the territory.
He noted that more than $7 billion had already been provided for reconstruction, adding that the United States would contribute $10 billion in total.
Trump said FIFA would help raise $75 million for projects in Gaza, while other countries were also contributing to reconstruction and stabilisation efforts.
He described the Gaza Board of Peace as a vital forum with no alternative in terms of its goals and importance.
“Nothing is more important than peace in the world,” the US president said, adding that the board brings together key global players to advance durable stability.
UPDATED
Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Thursday referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during the inaugural session of the Board of Peace in Washington.
Addressing the gathering, Trump said he had previously endorsed political candidates in the United States but was now also acknowledging foreign leaders. He praised PM Shehbaz and recalled discussions during the May 2025 Pakistan-India conflict.
Trump stated that the four-day confrontation between Pakistan and India involved intense hostilities, including the downing of aircraft. He claimed he contacted both PM Shehbaz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge de-escalation, warning that trade relations with the US would be affected if tensions continued.
According to Trump, both sides agreed to ease tensions after he cautioned them about possible tariffs and suspension of trade deals. He asserted that the situation was resolved within days and described it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
The US president reiterated his claim of helping settle multiple global conflicts and described the Board of Peace as one of the most consequential initiatives of his tenure. He said the forum aimed to promote global stability and bring together world leaders to resolve long-standing disputes.
Referring to Gaza, Trump described the situation as complex and praised US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their efforts. He said the Board would focus on consolidating a ceasefire in Gaza, mobilising financial pledges and advancing plans for post-conflict stabilisation.
Trump also remarked that while the United Nations had potential, it had not fully delivered on its mandate. He expressed hope that the Board of Peace would strengthen international cooperation.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz arrived in Washington on Trump’s invitation to attend the meeting. He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan’s participation reflects its growing diplomatic engagement and commitment to global peace efforts. The visit is expected to include meetings with senior US officials and discussions on bilateral and international issues.
Pakistan formally joined the Board of Peace in January and signed its founding charter during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The summit is also expected to deliberate on the proposed International Stabilisation Force for Gaza reconstruction and governance support.
Leaders from eight Muslim-majority countries — including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the UAE — are participating, with discussions anticipated on a unified stance regarding Gaza.
