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Pakistan siGns trumP-led ‘Board of Peace’ charter to suPPort ‘Gaza Peace’ Friday, 23 January, 2026 | 3 Sha’ban, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ JOINS GROUP OF WORLD LEADERS IN SIGNING CHARTER OF HIGH-PROFILE INT’L PLATFORM FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION NEW GAZA RECONSTRUCTION PLAN UNVEILED, INCLUDING MODERN SETTLEMENTS AND COMMERCIAL ZONES
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BOARD OF PEACE LAUNCHED IN DAVOS WITH 19 NATIONS, CHAIRED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP WITH GAZA RECONSTRUCTION, DEMILITARIZATION AND INT’L STABILITY ON AGENDA
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HAMAS WARNED TO DISARM OR FACE ‘THE END,’ AS TRUMP VOWS GAZA DEMILITARIZATION
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RAFAH BORDER TO REOPEN IN BOTH DIRECTIONS, SIGNALING HOPE FOR PALESTINIANS
Pm shehBaz, field marshal munir draw GloBal attention at wef DAVOS/ISLAMABAD Staff report
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DAVOS / ISLAMABAD Staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined a group of world leaders on Thursday in signing the charter for the newly established Board of Peace, a highprofile international platform for conflict resolution headed by United States President Donald Trump. The signing ceremony, held in Davos, Switzerland, marked the official launch of the body, which Trump has billed as a mechanism for resolving international conflicts, with a particular
focus on the Gaza Strip following Israel’s two-year war on the Palestinian enclave. The Board of Peace was initially conceptualized to oversee peace in Gaza, but its charter outlines a broader mandate to address global conflicts. Leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, gathered on stage with Trump to put their names to the founding document. Trump, who serves as the chairman of the Board of Peace, described the assembled leaders with characteristic flair: “In most cases very popular leaders, in some cases not so popular. That’s the
Govt dismisses reports of raising voting age as ‘baseless’, reaffirms trust in youth
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held cordial and informal interactions with several world leaders, including United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister and the chief of the army staff, attending the global gathering together, exchanged warm greetings with
way it goes in life.” He added, “Just about every country wants to be a part of it. Those present here are simply here because they were in Davos at the right time.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the body’s formal launch, stating, “Congratulations, President Trump. The charter is now in full
senior international figures, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Both leaders also attended a special address delivered by US President Donald Trump during the forum, highlighting Pakistan’s active engagement with key global players. The PMO noted that the informal exchanges of Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir with world leaders were marked by cordiality and mutual respect, reflecting the strength and warmth of Pakistan’s bilateral relations with these countries.
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force, and the Board of Peace is now an official international organization.” Trump described the signatories as “friends of mine. I like every single one of them,” and said their participation reflected their shared commitment to global peace.
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Finance Minister meets Bill Gates to strengthen cooperation on health and institutional reforms ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
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The government on Thursday categorically rejected reports suggesting a plan to raise Pakistan’s voting age from 18 to 25, with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal terming such claims “baseless” and part of a disinformation campaign. Addressing growing speculation circulating on social media and in political commentary, the minister said there was “no such legislation under consideration” and no proposal to amend the voting age was being prepared or discussed by the government. “There is absolutely no plan to increase the voting age,” Iqbal said in a post on X, accompanied by a video message. “We have full confidence in our youth and cannot even imagine depriving them of their fundamental right to vote.” The clarification came amid an emerging political debate triggered by informal narratives and signalling in recent days. On Wednesday, five senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders incarcerated at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail had publicly opposed any move to alter the voting age, questioning whether unnamed forces were fearful of the political power of young voters. Responding to the controversy, Iqbal said the reports were being deliberately floated by political opponents to mislead the public. He reiterated that the government had no intention of tabling any such bill, including in the upcoming joint session of parliament scheduled for Friday. “Pakistan’s youth are our strength and our asset,” the minister said.
Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Thursday in Davos met with Bill Gates on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts, public health priorities, and avenues for strengthening cooperation with the Gates Foundation in support of sustainable development and institutional capacity building. During the meeting, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s longstanding support to Pakistan, particularly its pivotal role in polio eradication efforts, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance. He acknowledged the Foundation’s continued engagement and partnership in addressing public health challenges and strengthening service delivery across the country. Mr. Gates shared an overview of the Foundation’s ongoing and future engagement in Pakistan and underscored the importance of sustained efforts to achieve polio eradication. Both sides discussed the need for close coordination with relevant stakeholders and provincial authorities to ensure effective implementation of health initiatives, particularly in areas requiring focused attention. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate polio and strengthen health systems. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also thanked Mr. Gates for the Foundation’s recent communication expressing support for the digitization of Pakistan’s taxation system, noting that this initiative was a key component of the government’s broader reform agenda. He highlighted that strengthening domestic resource mobilization through transparency and digital solutions remained a top priority, closely monitored at the highest level to ensure effective implementation. Mr. Gates emphasized the critical role of efficient
china to invest up to $10b in Pakistan as new deals signal surge in fdi: Qaiser ahmed sheikh KARACHI
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China has signed fresh investment agreements worth billions of dollars with Pakistan and is poised to invest up to $10 billion in the near future, Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said on Thursday, signalling renewed global confidence in Pakistan’s economy and its long-term growth prospects. In an exclusive interview, the minister said international attention was increasingly turning towards Pakistan, with expectations of broad-based foreign direct investment (FDI) across multiple sectors in the coming years. He disclosed that new joint venture agreements worth $1.5bn have been finalised between Pakistan and China at the government-to-government level. Beyond these agreements, Sheikh said China has also signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth around $9bn in key sectors including agriculture, automotive manufacturing and minerals, indicating a strong push towards large-scale industrial and resource-based cooperation. Highlighting private-sector engagement, the minister said a 300-member Pakistani trade delegation recently visited China to attract further Chinese investment and expand business-to-business linkages. Sheikh also outlined the government’s plans to strengthen connectivity for strategic projects, saying the Reko Diq mining project would be linked to Karachi via Chagai through a dedicated railway line and a new highway, forming a specialised economic corridor. Around $7 million would be arranged from international financial institutions for the development of this infrastructure, he added. Referring to the defence sector, the minister said that following the success of Bunyan-un-Marsoos, global demand for Pakistan’s fighter aircraft had increased, with several countries expected to place orders in the near future. Looking ahead, Sheikh said the agriculture and mining sectors were expected to attract the largest share of foreign investment, positioning them as the main drivers of Pakistan’s next phase of economic growth.
18th amendment can be improved through consensus, says rana sanaullah ISLAMABAD
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tax systems in building long-term economic self-reliance and noted that digital tools could significantly enhance tax collection, governance, and service delivery. The Finance Minister agreed, sharing that improved fiscal resilience had strengthened Pakistan’s capacity to respond to economic and climate-related challenges, reinforcing the importance of reforms aimed at long-term stability. The discussion also covered opportunities for expanding cooperation in the health sector, including prospects for local vaccine production and strengthening supply chains. Both sides welcomed continued dialogue with relevant ministries and partners to explore practical and sustainable options that support public health outcomes and domestic capacity building. The Finance Minister and Mr. Gates reaffirmed their shared desire to work closely in the years ahead, building on a relationship rooted in trust, shared objectives, and a strong commitment to inclusive development. They agreed that continued collaboration would contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s reform efforts and long-term socioeconomic progress. Mr. Gates expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with Pakistan’s leadership and conveyed his intention to remain closely involved through the Gates Foundation’s ongoing work in the country.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the 18th Constitutional Amendment was passed with consensus, but it can still be improved through renewed consensus, adding that the Constitution provides room for improvement throughout. Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah said a thorough investigation should be conducted into the fire incident at Gul Plaza to determine who approved the additional floors and when they were constructed, stressing that complete accountability is necessary. He also claimed that PTI’s planned protest on February 8 would fail. Commenting on PTI, he said Imran Khan has repeatedly used meetings to speak against the state and institutions. He noted that the Islamabad High Court has now defined a proper mechanism for meetings. Rana Sanaullah added that Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Raja Nasir Abbas are people who believe in democracy, but he does not think negotiations will begin immediately. He further said that district govts must be empowered, as this is a constitutional requirement, and without empowered local governments, public issues cannot be resolved. Responding to Kh Asif’s statement, Rana Sanaullah said that Kh Asif expressed his personal opinion in the National Assembly and that it is not appropriate to stop anyone from speaking in parliament. He said personal opinions should remain personal, every member has the right to express views, and Khawaja Asif never claimed to be presenting party policy. Reiterating his stance, the prime minister’s adviser said that while the 18th Amendment was adopted with consensus, there is room for improvement through dialogue, and discussion on the amendment should take place.
NA erupts over Pakistan’s entry into Trump-led ‘Board of Peace’ as govt defends move on Palestine grounds ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
The government on Thursday came under fierce opposition fire in the National Assembly over Pakistan’s decision to join the US President Donald Trump–led “Board of Peace”, defending the move as a principled step taken in the interest of the Palestinian people, while opposition parties warned it could undermine national sovereignty, parliamentary authority and the Palestinian cause itself. The controversy erupted a day after leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, appeared alongside President Trump at a signing ceremony
in Davos, Switzerland, formalising the charter of the newly created body. Originally presented as a mechanism to oversee post-war peace in Gaza after Israel’s two-year onslaught, the Board of Peace’s mandate envisages a broader role in resolving international conflicts. Opening the government’s defence in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan’s position on Palestine was “clear, principled, and consistent,” stressing that Islamabad had always raised the issue at international forums. He said joining the board was guided by national interest and the collective priorities of the Muslim Ummah, not domestic or external political pressures.
Referring to United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza, the minister said Pakistan’s participation was meant to support these objectives while safeguarding Palestinian rights and Pakistan’s own interests. He urged lawmakers not to turn the issue into political point-scoring and called for unity on matters of foreign policy. However, the explanation failed to placate the opposition. Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman delivered a blistering critique, warning that Pakistan must not become part of any initiative that could lead to the disarmament of Hamas. He said those responsible for the suffering of Palestinians
were themselves part of the board. “Expecting peace from Trump is living in a fool’s paradise,” Fazl told the House, noting that Trump chaired the board and selected its members unilaterally. He questioned how peace could
emerge from a forum where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would sit alongside Muslim leaders while Gaza continued to be bombed.
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