Pakistan Joins Trump's Gaza Peace Board Amidst Domestic Criticism

• Pakistan accepted US President Donald Trump's invitation to join the Gaza "Board of Peace" despite significant domestic opposition.
• The Pakistani Foreign Office stated PM Shehbaz Sharif's acceptance is part of efforts to support the Gaza Peace Plan under the UN framework.
• Critics in Pakistan view the board as a "colonial arrangement" due to Trump's oversight of Gaza's governance and a "pay-to-play structure" requiring a $1 billion membership fee.
• Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center suggests Pakistan's decision is driven by a desire to bolster its influence in the Middle East and strengthen ties with Trump.
• The decision is seen as an attempt to please Trump, following extensive lobbying efforts and diplomatic overtures by Pakistan to the Trump administration.

Why It Matters: Pakistan joined Trump's Gaza Peace Board, prioritizing ties with Trump over domestic criticism and concerns about its 'colonial' nature.