Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the upcoming meeting of the US-led Board of Peace in Washington, the Foreign Office confirmed on Thursday.
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.
Andrabi was also asked for clarification following Trump’s recent remarks that 10 aircraft were shot down during the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
Over the past 10 months, the US president has stated numerous times that aircraft were shot down during the conflict, albeit without specifying whose.
Initially stating that five jets were shot down, Trump gradually raised that number to seven in October, and then eight in November.
Responding to the question on Trump’s statement, the FO spokesperson said: “We have stated it previously, and I wish to reiterate it here that Pakistan is appreciative of the role of the United States during our 90-hour war with India.
“The role of the United States was for peace, for prevention of war and prevention of violence. So, in that context, President Trump’s statements, previous statements, and these statements are all obviously welcomed and endorsed,” he said.
“As regards the fighter planes: this is a matter of history,” he added.
He said Pakistan had shot down “a number of Indian Rafale jets” during the conflict, adding that evidence was available internationally and supported by independent reports and manufacturers.
“This demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to deter Indian aggression,” he said, warning that any future hostility would be met “forcefully and forthrightly”.
On relations with India, the spokesperson also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a binding international agreement. He said Islamabad had raised concerns over India’s hydropower projects on the Chenab River and urged New Delhi to return to full treaty compliance.
On the regional diplomacy, Andrabi welcomed indirect talks between Iran and the United States held in Oman, saying Pakistan supported dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
“Pakistan welcomes all initiatives aimed at resolving outstanding issues through diplomacy,” he said, expressing hope that the talks would lead to a positive outcome.
He said Pakistan remained in close contact with Tehran and supported efforts to reach an improved nuclear agreement.
The spokesperson added that Pakistan would continue to engage international partners on regional security, particularly regarding terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, and reserved the right to defend itself under international law.
