According to Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and a senior Pakistani diplomat, the proposed multi-tiered governance structure for Gaza, based on U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point formula, can only be effective under his direct and personal patronage. He described the plan on Wednesday as a consolidation of previous ideas into a comprehensive roadmap, whose success depends more on political realities than its institutional design.
This framework outlines a three-tiered administrative system, with a high-level “Board of Peace” to be chaired personally by President Trump. This central body will be followed by an executive board, while the third level will comprise a local administrative structure for Gaza.
Sardar Masood Khan explained that while the plan includes limited Palestinian participation from individuals with past administrative experience, it grants this system only a “partially local governance role.” He clarified that ultimate strategic and decision-making authority will rest with the upper forums.
The composition of the Board of Peace and the executive level is expected to include individuals considered close to the U.S. President, such as cabinet members, national security officials, and long-time associates from political and business circles. According to the former ambassador, the inclusion of figures linked to real estate and reconstruction highlights the economic and developmental aspects of the proposal.
Regarding security, overall responsibility will fall to an international stabilization force commanded by a U.S. general, effectively placing key security decisions under American authority. Israel is to play a coordinating role, while Palestinians will be granted powers equivalent to local government.
Mr. Khan said initial indications suggest that the people of Gaza, having endured a long war and severe devastation, might cooperate on a limited basis if the plan offers basic security and a partial return to normalcy. However, he noted that prospects for full independence, sovereignty, or the removal of Israeli control over large areas would not exist under this framework.
Discussing the role of the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan rejected the notion that the Gaza situation arose from UN ineffectiveness. He argued that the Security Council was paralyzed by repeated vetoes from the United States, stating that the UN was “prevented from acting; it did not choose to be inactive.”
He added that while President Trump appears to favor unilateral arrangements, key U.S. allies, including Europe, Canada, and Australia, do not seem inclined to accept a single-country-led model as an alternative to the UN system.
Commenting on Pakistan’s position, Mr. Khan described an alleged invitation for Pakistan to participate as “a significant diplomatic development.” He recalled that Pakistan, along with other Muslim countries, had previously urged President Trump to ensure a ceasefire in Gaza.
However, he stressed that “extraordinary caution is imperative” for Pakistan. He advised that any decision on participation should be made after detailed deliberation in the National Security Committee and consultation with political parties to ensure it aligns with national principles and public sentiment.
The former diplomat also highlighted reports of heavy financial requirements, which have allegedly led some countries and prominent figures to withdraw from the process. In his view, this further underscores the need for Pakistan to adopt a cautious and considered approach.
In conclusion, Sardar Masood Khan emphasized that the matter is highly sensitive, requiring Pakistan to balance diplomatic opportunities with its principled stance on Palestine, and ensuring that any action reflects a national consensus.