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Trump’s Gaza Peace Board Invite a ‘Golden Opportunity’ for Pakistan: Khawaja Asif
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says Trump’s invitation to PM Shehbaz Sharif to join Gaza Peace Board is a “golden opportunity” for Pakistan to raise voice for Palestine.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-19
Trump’s Gaza Peace Board Invite a ‘Golden Opportunity’ for Pakistan: Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has termed the invitation extended by US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to join the proposed Gaza Peace Board as a “positive development” and a “golden opportunity” for Pakistan.

Talking to Geo News at Parliament House, Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan could play a meaningful and constructive role in shaping any future roadmap for Gaza. He said that the international community broadly agrees on the two-state solution, and Pakistan’s participation would allow it to advocate strongly for Palestinian rights.

“God Almighty is providing Pakistan with a golden opportunity,” the defence minister said. “This is a chance for Pakistan to raise its voice for the freedom, salvation and legitimate rights of its Palestinian brothers. The prime minister of Pakistan will raise his voice strongly for Palestine.”

Commenting on reports regarding the possible deployment of Pakistani troops, Khawaja Asif said he would refrain from commenting on the matter at this stage. “I would not like to comment yet on the issue of sending troops,” he said.

The defence minister also spoke about Pakistan’s relations with Iran, calling Tehran a close neighbour and brotherly country. “Iran is our neighbour and we have enviable relations with it. Iranians are our brothers,” he said, adding that Iran harbours no hostile intentions against any country. “All of Pakistan’s support is for Iran’s safety and security,” he added.

Khawaja Asif, however, said that Israel posed a threat to regional peace. “Israel is a country that threatens everyone,” he remarked.

On the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement, the minister said both countries would jointly decide on the inclusion of any additional country. “Turkey or any other country may be included in this defence agreement,” he said, adding that Islamic countries should move towards a comprehensive collective defence arrangement to safeguard their interests.

It may be recalled that on Sunday, US President Donald Trump formally invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to join the proposed Peace Board for Gaza, aimed at shaping post-war arrangements for the Palestinian territory.
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