Dar Confirms Engagement with Trump’s Team
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Pakistan engaged in extensive consultations with US President Donald Trump’s team over the 20-point Gaza Peace Plan. Dar noted that while Islamabad suggested amendments, the draft unveiled by Washington did not incorporate all of Pakistan’s proposals. Still, Pakistan, along with seven Muslim states, issued a joint statement appreciating US efforts while reiterating its own stance on Palestine.
Possible Troop Deployment to the Gaza Force
One of the most sensitive points remains Pakistan’s possible role in the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza. While Indonesia has already pledged 20,000 troops, Dar said Pakistan’s leadership would decide after internal consultations. He clarified that the force would not operate directly inside Gaza but instead support Palestinian law enforcement, with UN documentation to formalise its mandate.
Pakistan’s Clear Palestine Policy
Dar reaffirmed that Pakistan’s position remains unchanged: support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. He emphasised that Pakistan has not made any direct deals with Israel, underscoring that Islamabad dealt only with Washington and other Muslim nations on this initiative.
Muslim Bloc’s Collective Strategy
Eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Türkiye, and Indonesia, agreed on a joint agenda to press for a ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, prevention of forced displacement, reconstruction of Gaza, and halting Israeli annexation of the West Bank. According to Dar, five states believe Hamas will support the plan, which also envisions a technocrat government in Palestine overseen by a supervisory body of Palestinians.
Mixed Reactions Inside Pakistan
While the government welcomed Trump’s plan, opposition parties voiced strong criticism.
JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman rejected the initiative, arguing it ignored Hamas, the elected representatives of Palestinians, and accused the US of siding with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman dismissed PM Shehbaz Sharif’s endorsement, saying any plan “imposed over the bodies of 66,000 Palestinians” was a betrayal.
PTI reiterated that Pakistan must adhere to its historic stance, never recognising Israel until Palestinians secure their legitimate rights, linking the struggle of Palestinians with that of Kashmiris under occupation.
Pakistan’s Diplomacy at UNGA
At the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Gaza, Kashmir, and climate challenges while meeting global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and IMF officials. Dar said Pakistan played an active role in building consensus with Arab and Islamic states, while also pushing for humanitarian corridors and an immediate ceasefire.
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