On February 20, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged with various global leaders during the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington, D.C. The summit, led by the United States, aims to address global conflict resolution, with a particular focus on Gaza.
During the summit, PM Sharif held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on critical minerals, energy-sector development, and potential American investments in Pakistan. Secretary Rubio expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support for President Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan and acknowledged the nation’s role as a founding member of the ‘Board of Peace’.
PM Sharif also met with leaders including King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, and President Joko Widodo of Indonesia. The discussions highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
The summit was marked by President Trump’s praise for PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for their roles in achieving a ceasefire in the May conflict with India. PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian self-determination and emphasized the importance of ending ceasefire violations to foster stability in Gaza.
Looking ahead, PM Sharif’s delegation, including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, will consider participating in an international stabilization force in Gaza, contingent on assurances that the mission remains peacekeeping in nature.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 20th, 2026
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