Pak agrees to join ‘Board of Peace’ after seeking $2.5-bn debt’s rollover for ailing economy
In a surprising move, Pakistan has announced its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’, a brainchild of former US President Donald Trump, aimed at promoting peace in the Gaza region. This announcement comes at a time when the country is struggling to keep its economy afloat, with a whopping $2.5-billion debt maturing soon. The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ has raised eyebrows, especially considering the hefty $1-billion fee required to become a permanent member.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, made the announcement, stating that the country is committed to supporting the Gaza Peace Plan and is eager to contribute to the efforts of the ‘Board of Peace’. This move is seen as a significant development, given Pakistan’s historical stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The country has traditionally been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, and its decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is likely to be viewed as a strategic move to strengthen its ties with the international community.
However, the timing of this announcement has sparked speculation about the motivations behind Pakistan’s decision. Just days ago, the country approached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a request to rollover the $2.5-billion debt that is set to mature soon. Additionally, Pakistan has also sought to halve the applicable interest rate on the debt, citing its ailing economy as the reason. This move is seen as an attempt to ease the pressure on the country’s finances, which have been struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other external factors.
The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ has also raised questions about the financial implications for Pakistan. The $1-billion fee required to become a permanent member is a significant amount, considering the country’s current economic woes. It is unclear how Pakistan plans to fund this fee, given its already stretched finances. Some analysts have speculated that the country may be relying on financial assistance from its allies, including China and the UAE, to cover the costs.
Despite the financial concerns, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is seen as a positive move by many in the international community. The Gaza Peace Plan has been hailed as a significant step towards achieving lasting peace in the region, and Pakistan’s participation is likely to be viewed as a welcome development. The ‘Board of Peace’ is expected to play a crucial role in promoting economic development and cooperation in the region, and Pakistan’s membership is likely to contribute to these efforts.
In recent years, Pakistan has been actively seeking to strengthen its ties with the international community, particularly in the areas of trade and economy. The country has been a key player in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, a massive infrastructure development initiative aimed at promoting economic growth and cooperation in the region. Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is seen as a natural extension of these efforts, as the country seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic footprint in the region.
However, not everyone is convinced about the wisdom of Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’. Some critics have argued that the country’s priorities should lie in addressing its domestic economic challenges, rather than committing to expensive international initiatives. Others have expressed concerns about the potential implications of Pakistan’s membership, particularly in terms of its relationships with other countries in the region.
As Pakistan navigates this new development, it will be important to watch how the country balances its domestic economic priorities with its international commitments. The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming months and years.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is a complex and multifaceted development, driven by a range of factors, including economic, diplomatic, and strategic considerations. While the move is seen as a positive step by many, it also raises important questions about the country’s financial priorities and its ability to balance its domestic and international commitments. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the developments closely and assess the implications for Pakistan and the wider region.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-join-trumps-board-peace-gaza-2026-01-21/
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