Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reached Washington D.C. at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the inaugural session of the Gaza Board of Peace.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as other ministers and senior officials are accompanying the prime minister during his official visit. In addition to attending the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, the premier will also engage with senior U.S. leadership, as well as his counterparts attending the meeting, read a statement issued by the Foreign Office.
The occasion will provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral matters, as well as global issues of mutual concern.
According to the Reuters news agency, Pakistan is seeking clarity on Trump’s proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza before agreeing to commit any troops. Citing sources, it said Islamabad was seeking guarantees that the deployment would strictly be a peacekeeping mission and not involve disarming Hamas.
U.S. media has said Trump is likely to unveil a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and outline proposals for a U.N.-authorized stabilization force for the Palestinian territory.
Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan calls for a force from Muslim nations to oversee a transition period for reconstruction and economic recovery. Analysts say Pakistan would be an asset to the multinational force, with its experienced military that has gone to war with India and tackled insurgencies.