Pakistan Clarifies Position on Gaza Peace-Force Deployment
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that the country has not made a final decision on deploying troops to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed international stabilisation force (ISF). The comment came amid circulated reports that Pakistan would send 20,000 troops to Gaza under a deal involving the Donald Trump administration and Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in Israel.
Clarifying the Facts
Defence Minister Asif made clear that any decision will involve full consultation with parliament and relevant institutions, saying, “This matter is still under process and yet to be finalised.” He rejected framing discussions as a done deal, emphasising the government will not pre-empt proper procedures.
Background of the Plan
The ISF is part of the U.S.-brokered peace framework for Gaza, intended to monitor cease-fires and support post-conflict stability. Though media outlets reported Pakistan had already agreed to provide troops and had held meetings with U.S. and Israeli intelligence, Islamabad’s Information Ministry labelled those reports “completely fabricated.” Pakistan has no diplomatic relations with Israel and maintains support for Palestinian statehood.
