Pakistan is currently busy in strengthening its friendship with America and its global image. Meanwhile, America is continuously pressurizing Pakistan to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza. Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza suggests sending troops from Muslim-majority countries to Gaza. The job of these soldiers will be to maintain peace in Gaza for some time, rebuild it and help in economic recovery.
Where America is continuously putting pressure on Asim Munir. At the same time, now US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear that Pakistan has expressed its desire to join peacekeeping efforts in Gaza, but no final decision has been taken yet. Rubio also said that America will first give necessary information regarding this to all the parties, only then concrete commitment will be sought from any country.
What did Rubio say?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Friday that we are very grateful to Pakistan for its offer to consider participating, or at least offer to consider it. I think we should give someone some more answers before asking for a concrete commitment.
This comment of Rubio has come at a time when it is continuously coming to light that Washington is pressurizing Pakistan to send troops. A Reuters report earlier this week said that Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is facing the first major test of his increased power, as America is continuously pressurizing Pakistan to send troops. On the other hand, if Pakistan sends soldiers to Gaza, its own citizens may turn against it.
What is Pakistan’s stand?
Pakistan has also made it clear that at present no final decision has been taken on sending troops to the proposed International Stabilization Force for Gaza. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had said last month that Pakistan could consider playing a role in the peacekeeping mission, but it is not our job to force Hamas to give up its arms.
According to Dawn, in the weekly press briefing on Thursday, Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said, no decision has been taken at present regarding Pakistan’s participation in the ISF.
Asim Munir can go to US
Meanwhile, it has also come to light that Asim Munir may go to Washington in the coming weeks. Amidst all these things, his journey is considered important. Where he can potentially meet Donald Trump. This will be his third meeting with Trump in the last six months and the talks are expected to include the Gaza stabilization plan.
What is ISF?
The ISF is an international peace and stability force, which is proposed to be temporarily deployed in conflict-affected areas like Gaza.
What is the purpose of ISF:
- Helping maintain security in Gaza
- Stabilize the situation after the violence stops
- Helping to rebuild and restore normal life
- To support local administration and law and order
This force may include armies of different countries, especially Muslim-majority countries (as per the plan).
What is difficult for PAK?
Defense analyst and author Ayesha Siddiqa said, Pakistan is the only Muslim-majority country in the world which has nuclear weapons. Also, his army is considered powerful and experienced. Because of this military capability, more contribution is being expected from Pakistan. He said that Pakistan’s military strength means that there is more pressure on Munir to show his capability.
According to military statements, in recent weeks Munir has met the leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Qatar. Ayesha Siddiqa said that these meetings seem to be held for the purpose of consulting Muslim countries regarding the proposed Gaza force.
However, the biggest threat within the country is political unrest. If Pakistani troops are sent to Gaza under the US-backed plan, it could again spark protests by Islamist parties who are strongly opposed to America and Israel.
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