Pak agrees to join ‘Board of Peace’ after seeking $2.5-bn debt’s rollover for ailing economy
In a significant development, Pakistan has announced its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’, an initiative spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump, aimed at promoting peace in the Gaza region. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, who revealed that the country will be joining the board in support of the Gaza Peace Plan. This move comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a severe economic crisis, and the country has been seeking assistance from its international partners to stay afloat.
Just days ago, Pakistan approached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a request to rollover a $2.5-billion maturing debt, as well as a reduction in the applicable interest rate. The debt-ridden country is struggling to manage its finances, and the rollover of the debt is seen as a crucial step in avoiding a default. The UAE, which has been a key supporter of Pakistan in the past, is expected to consider the request and provide the necessary assistance to its ally.
However, the decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ has raised eyebrows, given the significant fee associated with becoming a permanent member. According to reports, the board requires a $1-billion fee from countries seeking to join as permanent members. This has led to questions about how Pakistan plans to finance its membership, given its current economic woes.
The ‘Board of Peace’ is an initiative launched by Donald Trump, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Gaza region. The board is expected to bring together countries from around the world to work towards a comprehensive peace plan, which will address the long-standing issues in the region. Pakistan’s decision to join the board is seen as a significant development, as it will be one of the first countries from the region to participate in the initiative.
The Gaza Peace Plan, which is at the core of the ‘Board of Peace’, aims to address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, as well as promote economic development and stability in the region. The plan has been widely welcomed by countries around the world, and Pakistan’s decision to join the board is seen as a testament to its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
However, the decision to join the board has also raised concerns about the potential implications for Pakistan’s economy. The $1-billion fee associated with becoming a permanent member is a significant amount, and it is unclear how Pakistan plans to finance its membership. The country is already struggling to manage its debt, and the additional burden of the membership fee may further exacerbate its economic woes.
Despite these concerns, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has expressed optimism about the country’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’. In a statement, Dar said that Pakistan is committed to promoting peace and stability in the region, and that the country’s participation in the board will be a significant step towards achieving this goal. Dar also expressed gratitude to the UAE for considering Pakistan’s request for a debt rollover, and said that the country is confident that its international partners will continue to support it in its time of need.
The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is also seen as a significant development in the context of Pakistan’s relations with the United States. The two countries have had a complex relationship in the past, with periods of cooperation and tension. However, Pakistan’s decision to join the board is seen as a positive development, as it indicates a willingness on the part of the country to work with the US on issues of mutual concern.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is a significant development, both in terms of the country’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, as well as its efforts to manage its ailing economy. While the decision to join the board has raised concerns about the potential implications for Pakistan’s economy, the country’s Foreign Minister has expressed optimism about the move, and has said that it will be a significant step towards achieving the goal of promoting peace and stability in the region.
As Pakistan navigates the challenges associated with its membership in the ‘Board of Peace’, it will be important for the country to carefully manage its finances and ensure that it is able to meet its commitments. The decision to join the board is a significant one, and it will be important for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to the initiative, while also managing its economic woes.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-join-trumps-board-peace-gaza-2026-01-21/
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