Pakistan Faces Backlash Over Joining Trump-Led Gaza Peace Council

DID Press: Opposition parties and religious groups in Pakistan have intensified their criticism of Islamabad’s decision to join a Trump-led peace initiative, accusing the government of bypassing democratic scrutiny on a highly sensitive foreign policy issue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pakistan has received a formal invitation to join the so-called “Gaza Peace Council,” chaired by US president Donald Trump, and said the federal cabinet has authorized him to participate in the initiative. Critics, however, argue that the government failed to consult parliament and ignored the right of elected representatives to debate a decision with significant regional and political implications.

Opposition figures described the move as inconsistent with democratic norms and demanded greater transparency over the council’s mandate, composition, and Pakistan’s expected role.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to London, where he traveled after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos for routine medical check-ups, Sharif said he hoped the council’s efforts would contribute to peace in Gaza, secure the legitimate rights of Palestinians, and facilitate the reconstruction of the war-damaged territory.

Sharif also referred to a recent meeting with Donald Trump, saying he had expressed gratitude for Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India—an intervention he claimed helped save millions of lives in South Asia.