PTI criticises PM Shehbaz for joining Board of Peace without consultation

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for attending the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace and reiterated its objection to Pakistan joining the forum without broader consultation.

The Board of Peace—formally established last month after being proposed in September 2025 and initially intended to oversee peace efforts in Gaza—held its first meeting on February 19. The session was attended by several world leaders, including PM Shehbaz.

In a statement posted on X, PTI expressed “grave concern” over what it described as the government’s decision to join the Board without transparency, parliamentary debate or consultation with major political stakeholders.

“Decisions of such international significance must be rooted in constitutional procedure, democratic oversight and national consensus,” the party said.

Questioning Legitimacy and Process

The party maintained that it did not recognise the legitimacy of the present Parliament, formed after what it called the “manipulated 2024 elections.” It added that even the current Parliament had been bypassed in the decision-making process, which it said further eroded democratic norms and public trust.

Drawing a comparison with former premier Imran Khan, PTI said he had been “among the most steadfast and vocal supporters of Palestinian rights on the global stage,” describing his stance on Palestine as clear and uncompromising.

The party reaffirmed its support for a just and lasting resolution through the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with international law and its longstanding policy position.

Concerns Over Palestinian Representation

PTI argued that Pakistan’s participation in global peace initiatives should reinforce the United Nations framework rather than create “parallel arrangements that weaken international law and accountability.”

It questioned the credibility of the Board of Peace, saying Palestinians remained excluded from the process while Israel continued to be included despite ongoing violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

“A peace mechanism without Palestinian representation can only be termed as control,” the statement said.

The party also strongly criticised PM Shehbaz for attending the meeting and for making remarks that it claimed compromised Pakistan’s dignity, independent foreign policy and historically principled stance on oppressed peoples.

The government’s decision to join the Board, first announced last month, had drawn criticism from several political parties and analysts. The government has defended the move, with PM Shehbaz stating in Parliament that the federal cabinet had approved Pakistan’s participation.