Washington DC: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the urgent need to end ceasefire violations in Gaza, describing it as “very important” for achieving long-lasting peace in the war-torn Strip.

The premier expressed these views during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, led by US President Donald Trump.

Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz said the Palestinian people had endured decades of suffering.

“The people of Palestine have long endured the illegal occupation and immense suffering. And, to achieve long-lasting peace, it is very important that ceasefire violations must end to preserve life and advance reconstruction efforts,” he emphasised.

He added that the Palestinian people must exercise full control over their land and future in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“We must work together towards a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination through the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous state of Palestine in line with relevant resolutions,” the prime minister said.

Praise for Trump’s Leadership

PM Shehbaz expressed hope that under President Trump’s “visionary and dynamic leadership”, a just and lasting resolution of the Palestine issue could be achieved.

“Today is a day which will mark a place in the annals of history, that through your efforts, through your untiring support and great efforts, long-lasting peace in Gaza will be achieved. It will be your legacy in all times to come,” he said while addressing the US president.

Earlier in his speech, the premier said: “May God reward you and make you successful in your efforts to bring lasting peace in Gaza.”

He further praised Trump’s diplomatic initiatives, saying his “bold diplomacy” had brought calm to several global hotspots.

Referring to the four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May 2025, PM Shehbaz said Trump’s intervention had potentially prevented massive loss of life.

“Your timely and very effective intervention to achieve a ceasefire between India and Pakistan potentially averted the loss of tens of millions of people. You have truly proved to be a man of peace,” he said.

Trump Praises Pakistan Leadership

Speaking at the meeting, President Trump acknowledged PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

“I like this man — of Pakistan,” Trump said while referring to the prime minister. He also described Field Marshal Munir as a “great general” and a “serious fighter”.

Trump reiterated his claim that he helped defuse tensions between Pakistan and India during the May 2025 conflict.

“That war was raging, planes were being shot down,” he said, adding that he spoke directly with both Islamabad and New Delhi.

He stated that he warned both sides that trade relations with the United States could be affected if the conflict continued.

“And we solved that in two to three days,” Trump said.

The US president described the Board of Peace as one of the most consequential initiatives of his leadership, aimed at resolving conflicts globally.

About the Board of Peace

The Board of Peace was initially proposed in September 2025 and formally established last month. Under its charter, the US government serves as its official depository. President Trump has designated the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace in Washington as the Board’s headquarters, where Thursday’s meeting was held.

A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November last year authorised the board, along with cooperating states, to establish an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza following a ceasefire that began in October under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas.

However, the ceasefire has remained fragile, with repeated violations reported.

The Board includes Israel but does not currently include Palestinian representatives. Trump has suggested the body’s mandate could expand beyond Gaza to address other global conflicts, a move that has drawn concerns about its potential overlap with the United Nations’ role.

“We’re going to strengthen the United Nations,” Trump said during his remarks.

Iran and Regional Tensions

The meeting came amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. President Trump said he would know within 10 days whether a meaningful deal with Tehran regarding its nuclear programme was possible.

“We have to have a meaningful deal,” he stated.

PM Shehbaz’s Visit

PM Shehbaz arrived in Washington on Thursday at the invitation of President Trump to attend the inaugural session of the Board of Peace.

He is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit reflects Pakistan’s inclusion in the Board of Peace and its role in promoting global peace.

The prime minister is also expected to hold meetings with senior US officials and other world leaders on the sidelines of the event.