Viable Choice Left
Viable Choice Left: Eight Muslim countries joined the Board of Peace carefully. They knew US President Donald Trump was unpredictable. They focused on peace, rebuilding Gaza, and a path to Palestinian statehood according to UN resolutions.
Parliament Questioned
In Pakistan, the opposition said the decision should have gone to Parliament first. They also said joining the Board was unwise. Former ambassador Imran Ali Chaudhry called it “the least bad option.” Many agree with him.
The world reacted angrily to Israel’s attacks on Gaza after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Israel killed around 70,000 Palestinians. About 20,000 were children. The West, led by the US, continued to support Israel.
Trump Intervenes
Trump eventually intervened and stopped the killings. Street protests in the West and pressure from Gulf allies likely influenced him. At first, he wanted to relocate Gaza’s population and develop the Strip as a Middle East Riviera. Later, he said no one would be displaced.
Trump has not offered a clear path to Palestinian statehood. Israel continues evictions and expands settlements in the West Bank. Still, if joining the Board saves lives, it may be worth it.
Strategic Alliance
Pakistan joined the Board as part of the OIC bloc. This allows it to speak with more power. If necessary, the group can leave together and avoid angering Trump.
Pakistan also had economic and military reasons. The US is its largest export market, worth $5–6 billion annually. Pakistan is in an IMF program influenced by the US. The country also upgraded its F-16s for $640 million, extending their life to 2040.
Military Success
Pakistan’s military performed well against India in May. Trump praised the PAF’s verified success against the IAF. Smart diplomacy and this recognition opened new opportunities. Pakistan also signed a defence pact with Saudi Arabia.
No other UN Security Council member joined the Board. Russia, China, Britain, and France stayed out. The Board’s full impact will appear over time.
Moral Limits
Some decisions protect national interest but fail moral tests. Palestinians are not on the Board. Other Muslim countries represent them. Their past record on Palestinian rights is weak. The Gaza crisis seems to have motivated them to act.
The Board, led by Trump, is unlikely to achieve Palestinian statehood. But if it stops killings and helps Gaza rebuild, it has value. This shows how limited global justice can be.
Short-Lived Board
The Board may not last beyond Trump’s term. Its main effect may be to let him claim success. For Pakistan, avoiding harm and strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Indonesia is a diplomatic win. China appears to accept this decision, making it a strategically safe move.
Published in Dawn, 25th January 2026
