Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that the federal cabinet had approved Pakistan’s joining the Board of Peace, expressing hope that the initiative would help restore peace in Gaza and the wider region, PTV reported.

Speaking to the media outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, the prime minister said the decision was taken after cabinet consultations.

He said Pakistan had joined the body with the expectation that peace would soon prevail in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump is leading the Board of Peace.

Leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, gathered with Trump in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday to sign the founding charter of the body.

The prime minister said he had a “very good trip” to Davos and confirmed that Pakistan had received an invitation from President Trump to join the Board of Peace, which he accepted after cabinet approval.

“We signed with the hope that there will be peace in Gaza, that Palestinians will receive the respect they deserve, and that Gaza will be reconstructed,” the premier said.

He added that the humanitarian situation in Gaza required urgent international attention and reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position in support of Palestinian rights, stressing that Palestinians must receive their rights with dignity and respect.

PM Shehbaz also said President Trump had conveyed good wishes for Pakistan during their interaction in Davos. He said he thanked the US president for efforts that led to the cessation of hostilities, saving millions of lives.

The premier further highlighted his meeting with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, describing it as positive. He said the IMF chief had appreciated Pakistan’s economic reforms.

Expressing optimism, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he hoped the Board of Peace initiative would contribute to stability and peace across the region.