Pakistan army chief Asim Munir faces critical test as US pushes to send troops in Gaza mission
PTC Web Desk: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is facing one of the most difficult challenges of his expanding authority as the US urges Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza stabilisation force. Analysts warn that agreeing to such a move could trigger strong political and religious backlash at home.
According to sources cited by Reuters, Munir is likely to travel to Washington in the coming weeks for his third meeting with US President Donald Trump in six months. Discussions are expected to centre on Donald Trump’s proposed 20-point Gaza plan, which calls for a multinational force from Muslim-majority countries to oversee a transitional period focused on reconstruction and economic revival in the conflict-hit Palestinian territory.
The plan, however, carries significant risks. Many countries remain hesitant to join a mission that may involve disarming Hamas, fearing entanglement in the Israel-Palestine conflict and angering pro-Palestinian sentiment within their own populations.
Despite these concerns, Munir has developed notably close ties with President Trump, helping repair years of strained relations between Washington and Islamabad. In June, Munir was invited to a private lunch at the White House, a rare gesture and the first time a US president hosted Pakistan’s army chief without civilian leadership present.
Experts say Pakistan’s leadership is keen to revive American investment and military assistance, much of which has remained frozen in recent years. Refusing to participate in the Gaza mission, analysts argue, could disappoint Washington at a time when Islamabad is seeking renewed strategic engagement.
Pakistan’s military capabilities have also drawn attention in the US. As the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons, Pakistan has a battle-hardened army shaped by multiple wars with India, counter-insurgency campaigns and ongoing clashes with militant groups operating from neighbouring Afghanistan.
While Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has indicated that Islamabad could consider peacekeeping roles, he has made it clear that disarming Hamas would not be Pakistan’s responsibility.
At home, however, the issue is highly sensitive. Any deployment of Pakistani troops under a US-backed Gaza plan could provoke protests from Islamist groups strongly opposed to US and Israeli policies. Some of these groups retain the ability to mobilise large crowds despite recent government crackdowns.
Political tensions further complicate the situation, as supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who retains significant popular backing, remain deeply critical of Munir and the military establishment.
Analysts caution that involvement in Gaza could inflame religious sentiments and potentially lead to unrest, something Pakistan’s military leadership is keen to avoid while maintaining internal stability.
- With inputs from agencies
