Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the charter for the “Board of Peace” headed by United States President Donald Trump.
The body was initially envisioned as a mechanism to address Israel’s war on Gaza, though its charter does not restrict its mandate solely to the occupied Palestinian territory.
The heads of various countries are taking turns to sign the board’s charter at a meeting chaired by Trump in Davos, Switzerland.
“Let me recognise the very first group of the distinguished members of the Board of Peace that will be introduced by name in just a moment,” the US president said at the outset of his speech.
“Each and every one of you, we are truly honoured by your presence today. Leaders of countries, in most cases very popular leaders, in some cases not so popular,” he said.
Among those seated in the audience was PM Shehbaz, after Pakistan on Wednesday accepted Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace.
During his speech, the US president also said that Hamas must disarm under the Gaza ceasefire deal or it will be the “end” of the Palestinian movement.
“They have to give up their weapons, and if they don’t do that, it’s going to be the end of them,” Trump said.
More to follow
