Pak agrees to join ‘Board of Peace’ after seeking $2.5-bn debt’s rollover for ailing economy
In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan has announced its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’, a brainchild of former US President Donald Trump, in support of the Gaza Peace Plan. This move comes just days after the debt-ridden country approached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to seek a rollover of its $2.5-billion maturing debt and a reduction in the applicable interest rate. The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is seen as a strategic move by Pakistan to bolster its economy and gain international support.
According to sources, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, announced the country’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ after a series of high-level discussions with Trump’s team. The ‘Board of Peace’ is an initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, with a focus on the Gaza Strip. The board is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between nations in the region.
However, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ has raised eyebrows, given its current economic situation. The country is struggling to pay off its debts, and its economy is on the brink of collapse. The $2.5-billion debt that Pakistan is seeking to roll over is just a fraction of its total debt, which stands at over $100 billion. The country’s foreign exchange reserves are also dwindling, making it difficult for it to meet its international obligations.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s government has decided to join the ‘Board of Peace’, which will reportedly require a fee of $1 billion to become a permanent member. This has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the country cannot afford to pay such a hefty fee, especially when its economy is in shambles.
The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is also seen as a move by Pakistan to gain favor with the international community, particularly the United States. The country has been seeking to improve its relations with the US, which have been strained in recent years due to differences over issues such as terrorism and Afghanistan.
The ‘Board of Peace’ is expected to provide Pakistan with a platform to engage with other nations and promote its interests in the region. The board will also provide Pakistan with access to international funding and investment, which could help to boost its economy.
However, the decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is not without its risks. Pakistan will be required to commit to the board’s principles and objectives, which may not align with its own national interests. The country will also be expected to contribute to the board’s activities and initiatives, which could strain its already limited resources.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is a strategic move aimed at bolstering its economy and gaining international support. While the decision has its risks, it also offers opportunities for Pakistan to engage with other nations and promote its interests in the region. As the country navigates its way through the complex web of international diplomacy, it will be important to keep a close eye on developments and assess the implications of its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’.
The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is also a reflection of Pakistan’s desire to play a more active role in regional and international affairs. The country has long been a key player in the Middle East, and its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is seen as a move to reassert its influence in the region.
As Pakistan moves forward with its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’, it will be important to monitor the developments and assess the implications of this move. The country’s economy, politics, and international relations will all be impacted by this decision, and it will be crucial to keep a close eye on the situation.
In the coming days and weeks, we can expect to see more developments on this story, as Pakistan navigates its way through the complex process of joining the ‘Board of Peace’. The country’s government will need to balance its domestic and international obligations, while also ensuring that its decision to join the board aligns with its national interests.
The ‘Board of Peace’ is a significant initiative, and Pakistan’s decision to join it is a major development. As the story unfolds, we will continue to provide updates and analysis, exploring the implications of this move and what it means for Pakistan, the region, and the world.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-join-trumps-board-peace-gaza-2026-01-21/
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