Munir-Shahbaz Bow to Trump as Pakistan Prepares for Gaza ISF Deployment Amid Domestic Turmoil

Islamabad/Switzerland: Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership—Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir—have arrived in Switzerland for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The agenda: Pakistan’s potential participation in the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza. Despite domestic opposition, Islamabad has decided to join the initiative, sparking political turmoil at home.

High-Stakes Diplomatic Talks
According to CNN-News18 sources, Sharif and Munir are set to discuss the ISF roadmap and the broader U.S. “Board of Peace” initiative. Pakistan has indicated a willingness to join the Board of Peace, signaling an effort to maintain good relations with Washington. Analysts note that the decision, made without prior parliamentary approval, has drawn criticism from figures like former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, who claims the government is ignoring domestic opinion.

Pakistan Eyes Strategic Gains
The talks go beyond ISF deployment and the Gaza peace framework. The agenda also includes economic cooperation, security assistance, and long-term strategic partnership with the U.S. Islamabad is expected to leverage its ISF participation to secure economic aid and enhanced strategic collaboration. However, the move is politically sensitive at home, where anti-Israel sentiment and public opposition could complicate implementation.

Challenges on the Ground
Sending Pakistani troops to Gaza will require parliamentary approval and careful management of domestic stakeholders, including religious groups and opposition parties led by Imran Khan’s PTI. Government sources emphasize that participation in the ISF does not mean working directly with Israel; the mandate is limited to stabilizing Gaza and maintaining peace. Yet questions remain about the ISF’s command structure, operational protocols, and coordination mechanisms, leaving Pakistan’s leadership with complex diplomatic and domestic calculations.