Pakistan joining Board of Peace raises occupied Kashmir alarm for India

ISLAMABAD: A recently published editorial in The Hindu notes that Pakistan’s participation in the Board of Peace (BoP) is a potential concern for India, particularly if the BoP were to expand its mandate to include other disputes, such as Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The editorial states: “For India, Pakistan’s decision to join the board is a red-flag, particularly if Mr. Trump decides to include the Kashmir dispute to peace plans the BoP will seek to resolve.”

India skipped the announcement of the US President Donald Trump-led BoP charter at Davos, although the government is reported to still be deliberating over an invitation extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

While around 20 countries have joined the BoP, India is continuing to deliberate over its participation. 

The editorial highlights concerns over the board’s structure and functioning, which suggest a wider mandate for future conflict-resolution efforts, the editorial said. 

'In conjunction' with UN

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the charter for the BoP at the ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 22, establishing an international body to resolve conflicts that he pledged would work "in conjunction" with the United Nations.

The signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum formalized the organization, with roughly 35 countries committing to join. 

During his speech, Trump characterized the day as "very exciting" and "long in the making." 

He stated that the world is "richer, safer, and much more peaceful" than a year ago, claiming credit for "settling eight wars."