Senior leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) on Friday voiced strong reservations over Pakistan’s reported participation in a proposed “Board of Peace” initiative by US president Donald Trump, warning that the move could bypass the United Nations and harm Palestinian interests.

The remarks came after a meeting between JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and JUI-F head Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the latter’s residence in Islamabad, where the two leaders discussed national issues and the situation in Gaza Strip.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Maulana Rehman said a meeting of the so-called Board of Peace was scheduled for February 19, alleging that its purpose was to sidestep the United Nations.

“Pakistan’s participation in this forum is not appropriate under any circumstances,” he said, adding that global powers were “making a mockery of the Palestinian cause” and that Pakistan’s rulers were complicit in the process.

He announced that a nationwide public mobilisation campaign would be launched after Eidul Fitr, warning that if the government remained “committed to American subservience,” opposition forces were prepared to take to the streets.

Hafiz Naeem said Pakistan had accepted membership of the board and had also agreed to attend its meeting, raising serious concerns among religious and political circles.

“We fear that the government may be dragged into sending forces to Gaza,” he said, stressing that Pakistan should not become part of any conflict that could cause losses to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He warned that if the government ignored their demands, religious and political parties would mobilise the public in the coming days.

PM to attend Board of Peace meeting

Earlier on Thursday, the Foreign Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the upcoming meeting of the US-led Board of Peace in Washington.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the prime minister would lead Pakistan’s delegation to the meeting, scheduled for February 19 at the US Institute of Peace, and would be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

 “We can confirm that the prime minister will attend the upcoming Board of Peace meeting,” Andrabi told reporters during a weekly briefing.

He added that details about other members of the delegation and the visit’s itinerary would be shared later.

Pakistan is among the founding members of the Board of Peace, which was established last month following a charter signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The body was proposed under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan and is tasked with supporting post-ceasefire stabilisation and conflict resolution.

Responding to concerns over the absence of Gaza’s representation and Israel’s role in the board, Andrabi said Pakistan had joined the initiative “in good faith” and as part of a collective group of eight Islamic-Arab countries.

 “Our collective voice is resonating in the Board of Peace,” he said, adding that Pakistan would continue to advocate for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital.