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 to promote peace in the Gaza region. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, who stated that the country’s participation in the board is a testament to its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
The decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ comes at a time when Pakistan is facing significant economic challenges. The country’s economy has been struggling to stay afloat, with a mounting debt burden and a dwindling foreign exchange reserve. In a bid to mitigate these challenges, Pakistan recently approached the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seeking a rollover of a $2.5-billion maturing debt. The country has also requested a halving of the applicable interest rate on the debt, in an effort to reduce its financial burden.
The ‘Board of Peace’ is a high-profile initiative that aims to bring together countries from around the world to promote peace and stability in the Gaza region. The board is expected to play a key role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between countries, with the ultimate goal of achieving a lasting peace in the region. However, the membership fee for the board is reportedly set at $1 billion, which may pose a significant challenge for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy.
Despite the potential financial implications, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its ties with other countries and promote its national interests. The country’s participation in the board is expected to provide it with a platform to engage with other nations and promote its perspective on regional and global issues.
The ‘Board of Peace’ is a brainchild of Donald Trump, who has been a vocal supporter of the Gaza Peace Plan. The plan aims to promote economic development and stability in the Gaza region, with the ultimate goal of achieving a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The plan has received significant attention and support from countries around the world, with many seeing it as a potential solution to the long-standing conflict in the region.
Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is likely to be seen as a significant development in the country’s foreign policy. The country has historically been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, and its participation in the board is expected to be 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 questions about the potential implications for Pakistan’s economy. The country’s debt burden is already significant, and the $1-billion membership fee may pose a significant challenge for its cash-strapped economy. Additionally, the country’s request for a rollover of its $2.5-billion debt and a halving of the applicable interest rate may be seen as a sign of its economic vulnerability.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is seen as a strategic move to promote its national interests and strengthen its ties with other countries. The country’s participation in the board is expected to provide it with a platform to engage with other nations and promote its perspective on regional and global issues.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s decision to join the ‘Board of Peace’ is a significant development that reflects the country’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Gaza region. While the decision may pose significant challenges for the country’s economy, it is seen as a strategic move to promote its national interests and strengthen its ties with other countries.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-join-trumps-board-peace-gaza-2026-01-21/
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