Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir is navigating one of his toughest diplomatic moments yet, as the United States pushes Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed international security mission in Gaza. While the request signals renewed US engagement with Pakistan under the Trump administration, it also places Munir in a politically delicate position at home.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Washington is exploring a multinational force to stabilise Gaza after months of conflict. Pakistan, with one of the world’s largest and most experienced armies in peacekeeping operations, is being considered a key participant.
However, any decision to send Pakistani troops to Gaza carries significant domestic risks. Islamist political parties in Pakistan have a long history of opposing US policies in the Middle East and remain deeply critical of Israel. Even the suggestion of Pakistani forces participating in a US-backed mission could trigger widespread protests and political backlash.
For General Munir and the Pakistani government, the challenge lies in balancing international expectations with internal sensitivities. Pakistan has been trying to rebuild ties with Washington, especially on security and economic fronts, but remains wary of actions that could inflame public sentiment.
Analysts note that while Pakistan has previously sent troops abroad under UN mandates, a deployment tied directly to US strategy—particularly in the Middle East—would be far more controversial. The memory of past US-Pakistan military cooperation, including in Afghanistan, still shapes public perceptions and political narratives.
At the same time, Pakistan is weighing strategic calculations. Participating in a globally coordinated mission could improve Islamabad’s diplomatic standing and reaffirm its commitment to peacekeeping efforts. But the consequences of domestic unrest might outweigh the geopolitical benefits.
As discussions continue, the Pakistani leadership faces mounting pressure from all sides. With the Gaza situation still volatile and international negotiations ongoing, General Munir’s decisions in the coming weeks will have major implications for Pakistan’s internal stability and external alliances.
