Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Pakistan's Munir Faces Gaza Force Dilemma
Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is in a tough spot.
The US wants Pakistan to send troops to help stabilize Gaza, but this could cause big problems at home.
Munir has a lot of power and is meeting with leaders from other countries to discuss the plan.
However, many people in Pakistan, including Islamist parties and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, are against this idea.
They don't want Pakistan to work with the US and Israel.
If Pakistan sends troops, it could lead to protests and unrest.
Munir has to decide whether to risk this backlash or disappoint the US.
Pakistan's military chief Asim Munir faces pressure to contribute troops to a US-backed Gaza stabilisation force.
Munir has built a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, meeting him multiple times in recent months.
Pakistan's military is powerful and experienced, but contributing to the Gaza force could spark domestic backlash.
Munir has unprecedented power and immunity, making him a key decision-maker in Pakistan's foreign policy.
Islamist parties and supporters of Imran Khan oppose the US-backed plan, potentially leading to protests.
- Who
- Field Marshal Asim Munir, US President Donald Trump, Pakistani government and military, Islamist parties, Imran Khan's party
- What
- Potential contribution of Pakistani troops to a Gaza stabilisation force
- When
- In the coming weeks, with recent meetings and a June White House lunch
- Where
- Pakistan and the United States, with implications for Gaza
- Why
- To secure US investment and security aid, and to repair mistrust between Washington and Islamabad
- Key Figures
- Field Marshal Asim Munir, US President Donald Trump
- Gaza Plan
- 20-point plan for Muslim nations to oversee Gaza's transition
- Pakistan's Military
- World's only Muslim nuclear-armed country with battle-hardened forces
- Munir's Powers
- Unprecedented power, lifetime immunity, and control over all defense forces
- Domestic Concerns
- Potential backlash from Islamist parties and pro-Palestinian groups
- Recent Meetings
- Munir met leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar
- Imran Khan's Party
- Opposes Munir and has wide public support
- Anti-Israel Party
- Banned in October, but ideology persists
Sources
Pakistan's military chief Asim Munir in spotlight over US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan
Annoy Trump Or Face People's Wrath: Two Hard Choices Before Pakistan’s Asim Munir Over Gaza
US wants Pakistan troops in Gaza. Why is Asim Munir in a quandary?
Asim Munir faces the greatest dilemma as Donald Trump wants Pakistani forces in Gaza
