On February 18, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Washington to participate in a summit hosted by US President Donald Trump, focusing on the Gaza conflict and the establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF). This meeting is part of the 'Board of Peace' initiative, aiming to strengthen the ceasefire in Gaza, secure financial aid for reconstruction, and finalize plans for the ISF, which would oversee post-conflict governance. The US has committed an initial $5 billion towards this effort, underscoring its urgency. However, the prospect of Pakistan contributing troops to the ISF raises complex diplomatic questions regarding the legitimacy and political representation of Palestinians in such operations. Reports indicate that several Muslim countries are open to joining a stabilization mechanism but are hesitant to engage in combat roles that could lead to direct confrontations with Hamas.