Q5: How does this affect civilians in Gaza?

A: Peace efforts can allow aid, rebuilding, and safer living conditions, though long-term stability remains uncertain.

“If Imran Khan were representing the current Pakistani government, what would be the reaction of the people and other political parties toward the Gaza peace agreement?”

In January 2026, the political reality in Pakistan makes your scenario a major point of contention. As of now, Imran Khan remains in prison, while the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially signed onto a US-led Gaza peace initiative called the “Board of Peace” (BoP).

If Imran Khan were the one representing Pakistan in this capacity, the reactions would likely be polarized along the following lines:

1. Reaction of the Public

• Supportive Base: Khan’s supporters (PTI) would likely view his involvement as a restoration of Pakistan’s “sovereign foreign policy.” They have historically praised his vocal stance on Islamophobia and Palestine at the UN, so they would see him as a “true” representative of the Muslim Ummah.
• Skepticism: Given that the current “Board of Peace” is a US-led initiative (under President Donald Trump), Khan’s critics would likely accuse him of hypocrisy, recalling his “Cipher” narrative where he blamed the US for his 2022 ousting.

2. Reaction of Political Parties

• The Current Opposition (PTI): Interestingly, in the current timeline (where Shehbaz Sharif signed the deal), the PTI has strongly rejected the agreement. They have called for a national referendum and criticized the government for joining “parallel structures” outside the UN. If Khan were the one signing it, the party’s rhetoric would almost certainly flip to frame it as a diplomatic victory.
• Government Parties (PML-N & PPP): These parties would likely attack Khan for “selling out” to Western interests. They would highlight any concessions made in the deal as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause, much like the religious parties are currently doing against them.
• Religious Parties (JUI-F & JI): Parties like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) and Jamaat-e-Islami have already labeled the current 2026 peace board a “new form of colonialism.” Regardless of whether Khan or Sharif signed it, these groups would likely remain in opposition, viewing any deal involving Israel or US-led oversight as unacceptable.

3. The Current Reality (January 2026)

To give you the actual context of what is happening right now:

• The Agreement: PM Shehbaz Sharif signed the “Board of Peace” charter in Davos (January 22, 2026) alongside Donald Trump and other world leaders.
• The Friction: Israel has publicly stated it does not welcome Pakistan’s involvement in Gaza peacekeeping, despite Pakistan joining the board.
• Imran Khan’s Status: He is currently incarcerated and facing various legal challenges, including a recent investigation into his social media activity (X account). His party remains the most vocal critic of the government’s current Gaza diplomacy.

Why Are Other Regional & Global Leaders Still On Board?

1. Humanitarian Pressure

Ongoing civilian casualties force leaders to support any mechanism that stops bloodshed

2. Regional Spillover Risk

Prolonged Gaza war risks:

Wider Middle East escalation

Refugee crises

Maritime and trade disruptions

3. Global Political Image

Governments face public pressure at home

Supporting peace signals responsibility, even if outcomes are uncertain

4. Buying Time for Long-Term Solutions

Ceasefires are seen as time-buying tools to prevent total collapse

Allows space for diplomacy, aid delivery, and reconstruction planning

Why Not Gaza? Why Not Palestinian Leadership on Board?

This question reflects a critical and valid concern raised by many communities.

The Reality on the Ground

1. Gaza Is Under Siege

Gaza leadership operates under:

Military bombardment

Blockade and restricted movement

Limited communication and resources

Decision-making under survival conditions limits negotiation flexibility

2. Fragmented Palestinian Leadership

Palestinian politics are divided between:

Hamas (Gaza)

Palestinian Authority (West Bank)

Lack of unified leadership weakens negotiation power

3. Power Imbalance

Peace talks often occur between unequal parties

Gaza leadership is asked to agree to terms without equal guarantees

This creates distrust and resistance

4. Trust Deficit From Past Agreements

Previous agreements failed due to:

Continued settlements

Blockade not fully lifted

Lack of enforcement mechanisms

This history makes Gaza leadership skeptical

Pakistan’s Benefits in a Gaza Peace Agreement?

While Pakistan is not a direct party to the Gaza conflict, a Gaza peace agreement carries strategic, diplomatic, humanitarian, and economic benefits for Pakistan.

1. Moral & Diplomatic Leadership

Pakistan has consistently supported Palestinian self-determination at the UN and OIC

A peace agreement aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing principled stance on justice and human rights

Strengthens Pakistan’s image as a responsible Muslim-majority state advocating peace, not war

2. Strengthening Pakistan’s Global Voice

Supporting peace gives Pakistan leverage in international forums (UN, OIC, Non-Aligned Movement)

Helps Pakistan counter narratives that associate Muslim countries only with conflict

Enhances diplomatic relations with mediators like Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and the UN

3. Economic & Trade Stability

Middle East stability directly affects:

Oil & energy prices

Overseas Pakistani remittances

Trade routes and investor confidence

Reduced regional conflict lowers global economic pressure on countries like Pakistan

4. Unity Within the Muslim World

Peace efforts reduce sectarian and political divides within the Ummah

Pakistan can play a bridge role between different Muslim blocs

Strengthens collective Muslim diplomatic pressure rather than fragmented reactions

5. Public Sentiment & Internal Stability

Pakistani public strongly supports Gaza on humanitarian grounds

A peace agreement helps ease public anger, protests, and emotional distress

Aligns state policy with popular sentiment, strengthening internal cohesion

Does a ceasefire mean the conflict is over?

No. A ceasefire pauses fighting but does not resolve root causes like occupation, borders, or statehood.

Why do Gaza ceasefires often fail?

Reasons include lack of trust, continued blockades, unresolved political issues, and violations by parties.

Who mediates Gaza peace talks?

Common mediators include Egypt, Qatar, the United Nations, and sometimes the United States or EU.

Is there a signed Gaza Peace Agreement right now?

No single permanent peace treaty exists. Most efforts involve temporary ceasefires or proposed frameworks.

Q6: Can ordinary people influence peace?

A: Yes. Awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support, and responsible dialogue help shape global pressure.

Q5: How does this affect civilians in Gaza?

A: Peace efforts can allow aid, rebuilding, and safer living conditions, though long-term stability remains uncertain.

Q4: Does a ceasefire mean the conflict is over?

A: No. A ceasefire pauses fighting but does not resolve root causes like occupation, borders, or statehood.

Q3: Why do Gaza ceasefires often fail?

A: Reasons include lack of trust, continued blockades, unresolved political issues, and violations by parties.