Pakistan's military leadership is navigating a complex diplomatic minefield as the United States intensifies pressure on Islamabad to contribute troops to an international stabilization force for Gaza. This move, analysts warn, could trigger significant domestic backlash in Pakistan.
The High-Stakes Washington Engagement
Field Marshal Asim Munir is preparing for a crucial visit to Washington in the coming weeks, where he is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump. This will mark their third meeting in just six months, with the proposed Gaza force high on the agenda, according to sources familiar with the plans.
The visit follows a period of carefully rebuilt ties. In a notable gesture, Munir was hosted for a White House lunch by President Trump in June—an unprecedented solo engagement for a Pakistani army chief without civilian officials present.
Trump's Gaza Plan and Pakistan's Precarious Position
The proposed international force is a cornerstone of the next phase of President Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza. The plan aims to oversee reconstruction and economic recovery in the territory devastated by over two years of war. An initial, fragile ceasefire began on October 10, involving hostage releases by Hamas and prisoner releases by Israel.
However, the mission's potential requirement to demilitarize Hamas makes many nations wary, fearing entanglement in the conflict and angering their own pro-Palestinian populations.
"Not contributing could annoy Trump, which is no small matter for a Pakistani state that appears quite keen to remain in his good graces—in great part to secure US investment and security aid," said Michael Kugelman, a South Asia Senior Fellow at the Washington-based Atlantic Council.
Military Capacity vs. Political Reality
Pakistan, the world's sole Muslim nuclear power, possesses a battle-hardened military with extensive experience from three wars with India, a brief summer conflict, counter-insurgency operations, and its ongoing fight against Islamist militants.
This very strength increases the pressure on Munir. Defense analyst Ayesha Siddiqa noted that Pakistan's military capabilities mean "there is a greater pressure on Munir to deliver his capacity."
Yet, the political line has been cautious. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated last month that Islamabad could consider contributing troops for peacekeeping but clarified that disarming Hamas "is not our job."
The US is simultaneously building a "Board of Peace" to oversee Gaza's postwar management, reportedly securing commitments from leaders of Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, the UK, Italy, and Germany to join. Washington aims to add more members, including Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to bolster the plan's legitimacy and encourage troop and financial contributions.
With Riyadh reportedly waiting for more clarity on Gaza's volatile situation, and Hamas vowing to keep its weapons, the proposed stabilization force remains fraught with challenges. For Field Marshal Asim Munir, the coming weeks will involve balancing a critical strategic relationship with Washington against the potent sentiments of the Pakistani public.
