Trump’s Gaza Plan Not Identical to Muslim Draft
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified on Friday that the 20-point Gaza peace plan announced by US President Donald Trump was not the same as the draft prepared by eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Dar said Washington altered the draft before unveiling it. “The 20 points made public by President Trump are not ours. Modifications were made to the draft that Muslim nations, including Pakistan, had submitted,” he explained.
Key Features of Trump’s Roadmap
Trump revealed the Gaza proposal after consultations with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, and Indonesia. The roadmap called for:
A ceasefire
A prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel
Hamas disarmament
A transitional government under international oversight
It also proposed a special peacekeeping force in Gaza. Indonesia has already pledged 20,000 troops. Dar said Pakistan’s leadership would decide whether to send personnel.
Pakistan’s Stance on Palestine
Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan’s stance on Palestine remains unchanged and consistent with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision.
He stressed that Muslim nations engaged with the US as a last resort after the UN, the Security Council, and the OIC failed to halt Israel’s war. Since October 2023, Israeli strikes have killed more than 65,000 Palestinians.
Options for Muslim Countries
Dar revealed that Saudi Arabia and other Muslim states debated two options:
Continue negotiations, which would allow Israel to prolong the war.
Let Trump’s plan move forward while keeping diplomatic engagement open.
He said Pakistan chose the latter option.
Eastern NATO Possibility
Dar also spoke about Pakistan’s Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia. The pact states that aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both.
“If more countries join this pact, it could evolve into an ‘Eastern NATO,’” he said, noting regional interest during the UNGA session.
Other Issues Raised
Dar updated lawmakers on efforts to free ex-senator Mushtaq Ahmed, detained by Israel after joining the Gaza aid flotilla. Pakistan, he said, is using a European ally’s diplomatic channels to secure his release.
He also addressed the controversy over columnist Shama Junejo’s presence at the UNGA. Dar clarified that her name was not on the official delegation list but was included in the prime minister’s extended entourage.
Pakistan’s Commitment
Dar concluded that Pakistan will continue to back the Palestinian cause and work with Muslim nations for a viable peace roadmap while protecting national and regional interests.
Related stories:
Pakistan Demands Release After Israel’s Gaza Flotilla Attack
