Pakistan Plans to Deploy 3,500 Troops in Gaza Under Trump-Supported Peace Initiative

Islamabad: As part of the U.S.-backed 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, Pakistan is considering deploying troops to the Gaza Strip. Sources in Pakistan’s diplomatic and military circles reveal that under the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), approximately 3,500 Pakistani soldiers could be stationed in the region.

The ISF is a key component of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative, aimed at overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction and the disarmament of extremist groups. The plan calls for an internationally supported force to monitor and facilitate stabilization efforts.

Pakistan’s Role and U.S. Support
President Trump had urged Muslim-majority countries to provide troops, logistics, and equipment for the ISF. The attention recently given to Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is widely seen as part of Washington’s plan to involve Pakistan in the mission.

Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted Pakistan’s potential role in the international force, expressing gratitude for the country’s willingness to consider troop deployment. He noted that discussions with Pakistan and other potential contributor nations are ongoing.

Pakistan’s Position and Domestic Concerns
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has stated that no final decision has been made regarding troop deployment. Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed that discussions about participation in the ISF are still pending.

While participation could strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic ties with Washington, it may also provoke domestic opposition from Islamic parties. Given Pakistan’s historically tense stance on the Gaza conflict and Israel, sending troops could draw criticism from hardline groups, linking the deployment to broader geopolitical and security concerns.

Reports suggest that Field Marshal Munir may soon travel to Washington to discuss the plan with U.S. officials, though the Foreign Ministry has officially denied these claims. The situation remains closely watched as Pakistan weighs the strategic and domestic implications of joining the ISF.