Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 20: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appeared to cut a marginalised figure during US President Donald Trump’s first Gaza “Board of Peace” meeting, with several visuals from the high-profile event going viral on social media.

The summit, attended by representatives from around 40 countries, focused on reconstruction and stabilisation efforts in war-torn Gaza. India participated as an observer.

In the official group photograph, Sharif was positioned toward the sidelines, while Trump stood prominently at the centre, flanked by US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Leaders from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Qatar were seen standing directly behind the US President.

Diplomatic observers noted that such optics often carry symbolic significance in international engagements, reflecting perceived strategic weight and proximity to key decision-makers.

At one point during his address, Trump gestured toward Sharif and asked him to “stand up”, prompting the Pakistani Prime Minister to rise from his seat. The moment drew sharp reactions online, with critics in Pakistan and elsewhere questioning Islamabad’s diplomatic positioning.

Adding to the controversy, Sharif, in his remarks, praised Trump’s role in what he described as “mediating” last year’s India-Pakistan ceasefire, calling him a “man of peace” and “saviour of South Asia”. However, New Delhi has consistently maintained that the ceasefire understanding was reached directly between the two countries without third-party mediation.

Trump, during his speech, also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and “very good friend”, a remark that was closely watched in diplomatic circles.

An earlier statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry regarding Sharif’s US visit also attracted attention after typographical errors in the official communication became widely shared online.

The summit concluded with a somewhat awkward exchange between the two leaders. Visuals showed Sharif appearing to lean forward as if to embrace Trump, who initially seemed reserved before later sharing a brief hug.

Trump also reiterated praise for Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, calling him a “great guy”, and remarked at one point, “I like this guy,” referring to Sharif.

Notably, during the meeting, Trump announced that countries including Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Jordan had agreed to contribute troops to a proposed stabilisation force in Gaza. Pakistan’s name was not mentioned among contributors.

Reports suggest that Islamabad faces a delicate balancing act, having joined the Board of Peace initiative while remaining cautious about committing troops, amid domestic political sensitivities.

The developments have triggered debate within Pakistan over the country’s diplomatic strategy and its evolving ties with Washington.