Pakistan's powerful military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, faces a significant diplomatic challenge as the United States urges Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed international stabilisation force in Gaza. The request forms part of President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan for the war-torn Palestinian territory, which envisions a multinational contingent primarily from Muslim-majority countries to oversee a transitional period focused on reconstruction and economic recovery. Munir is expected to travel to Washington in the coming weeks for his third meeting with Trump in six months, where the Gaza force is likely to dominate discussions. Analysts describe the decision as a delicate balancing act for Munir, who has cultivated close ties with Trump to rebuild US-Pakistan relations and secure potential investment and security assistance. Refusing the request risks straining this rapport at a time when Pakistan seeks to remain in Washington's good graces. However, agreeing could provoke substantial domestic opposition in a nation with strong pro-Palestinian sentiment.
Trump's plan follows more than two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, leaving Gaza in ruins and requiring extensive rebuilding efforts. The proposed force would facilitate the demilitarisation of Hamas and ensure stability during the handover to reformed Palestinian governance structures. Many Muslim nations remain cautious, wary of entanglement in ongoing security risks or tasks involving direct confrontation with Hamas militants. Pakistan's battle-hardened military, experienced in counterinsurgency and multiple wars, makes it a prime candidate in US eyes. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated last month that Islamabad might consider peacekeeping contributions but emphasised that disarming Hamas "is not our job". Munir's recent consultations with leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar suggest efforts to gauge regional support and potentially share the burden.
Munir's consolidated authority provides him unique leverage to navigate this issue, having recently been appointed chief of defence forces overseeing all branches with an extension until 2030. Constitutional amendments grant him lifelong field marshal rank and immunity from prosecution, described by experts as affording "unbridled power". He has emerged as Washington's primary interlocutor, exemplified by a solo White House lunch with Trump in June—the first for a Pakistani army chief without civilian accompaniment. This relationship aims to mend years of mistrust and unlock US economic benefits for Pakistan. Defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqa noted Pakistan's military capacity places "greater pressure on Munir to deliver," given its nuclear status and regional experience.
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Domestic risks loom large, with deployment potentially reigniting protests from Islamist parties vehemently opposed to the US and Israel. A prominent anti-Israel group, known for mobilising on blasphemy issues, was banned in October, with leaders arrested and assets seized, yet its ideology persists. Supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose party holds significant public backing, also harbour grievances against Munir. Michael Kugelman from the Atlantic Council warned that non-contribution could "annoy Trump", which is critical for aid aspirations. Conversely, participation might fuel accusations of Munir aiding Israeli interests.
Experts anticipate escalation on the ground could quickly politicise the issue, with critics framing it as foreign interference in Palestinian affairs. Abdul Basit from Singapore's S Rajaratnam School highlighted inevitable claims that "Asim Munir is doing Israel's bidding." Pakistan's public overwhelmingly supports the Palestinian cause, complicating any perceived alignment with US-backed initiatives post-conflict.
As Munir prepares for the Washington visit, the outcome could define his legacy amid heightened powers and external pressures. Regional coordination may help mitigate isolation, but ultimate decisions rest with the military leadership. The Gaza proposal tests Pakistan's foreign policy priorities between renewed US engagement and domestic stability. Observers will watch closely for signals on Islamabad's commitment level. This dilemma underscores the complex interplay of international alliances and internal dynamics in Pakistan's strategic calculus. The situation remains fluid as consultations continue ahead of potential deployment frameworks.
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