Military veterans in Pakistan have strongly urged the country’s leadership to reject participation in the controversial ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza. They are deeply concerned that joining the initiative would go against Pakistan’s core values of defending Islam, sovereignty, and justice.
The “Board of Peace,” an international initiative introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has come under heavy criticism. According to veterans, the Board includes Jewish and Christian representatives, which they believe legitimizes the occupation of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) and undermines the Palestinian cause. The veterans’ message is is that participation in this initiative is seen as siding with the enemies of Islam and betraying the fundamental ideals of Pakistan.
The veterans argue that Pakistan, founded on the values of Muslim dignity and the fight for freedom, should not support what they see as a Zionist plan. They believe joining this initiative would show that Pakistan is abandoning its strong position on Palestine and its support for the oppressed.
The veterans appeal to the Pakistan Army and its leadership, reminding them of the sacred duty they hold as defenders of Islam and the Muslim world. “You are entrusted with defending the honor and dignity of Islam, not as pawns in a political game led by Western powers,” the statement reads. “The very foundation of your faith and honor as soldiers will be shaken if you stand with those who oppress the people of Palestine.”
The veterans also point to the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:51), which commands Muslims not to take Jews and Christians as allies, as a key guiding principle. According to their interpretation, any collaboration with those who have a history of supporting the oppression of Muslims, especially in the context of Palestine, is an act of rebellion against Allah’s commands. The veterans further emphasise that participating in the “Board of Peace” would undermine the sacred trust placed in the Pakistan Army and tarnish its legacy.
The statement, which reads strongly, reflects a profound sense of disillusionment and betrayal. The veterans have expressed a fear that the very soul of Pakistan would be at risk if its leadership aligns with this initiative. They also caution that the consequences of such a decision would be catastrophic, leading to national division and unrest. “The soul of the nation will be consumed by resentment, and disillusionment will spread like wildfire,” the statement warns.
The veterans are not just speaking out of political ideology—they see their call as a moral imperative. They are deeply concerned about the future of Pakistan, a nation founded on the principles of justice, sovereignty, and support for oppressed peoples. “If Pakistan stands in support of the oppressors of Masjid Al-Aqsa, it will face the wrath of its own people,” they state.
The statement was made just before Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, attended his important visit to New York on February 18, 2026. He was set to participate in a United Nations Security Council briefing on the situation in Palestine. During the visit, Dar was expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s strong stance on Palestine and condemn Israel’s actions in the West Bank, calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Dar is also expected to highlight Pakistan’s support for a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
However, the veterans of Pakistan are not happy with any suggestion of compromise or a shift in Pakistan’s policy. They believe that the government’s participation in international peace initiatives should not come at the cost of their fundamental values. They call for a return to the path of self-determination and solidarity with the Palestinian people. “Pakistan should never compromise on its position for Palestine. We should not bow to external pressure,” they state firmly.
As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the veterans’ message is a reminder of the complex political choices Pakistan faces in the international arena. They warn that any decision to participate in the ‘Board of Peace’ will have long-lasting repercussions for the country’s foreign policy and for the people’s faith in their leadership.
Ultimately, the question being asked by the veterans of Pakistan is whether the leadership of Pakistan continues to live up to its founding ideals and stand with the oppressed, or will it be willing to make concessions to appease the world of diplomacy?
