Table Of Contents

Pakistan’s military leadership finds itself caught between competing international pressures and domestic opposition, as the United States pushes for Pakistani troop deployment to Gaza under President Donald Trump’s reconstruction plan.

The Gaza Proposal

Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza calls for troops from Muslim-majority nations to oversee a transition period following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, focusing on reconstruction and economic recovery in the war-torn Palestinian territory.

According to multiple reports, the U.S. administration is directly pressing Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to contribute forces to an International Stabilization Force (ISF).

The proposed force would work with Israel and Egypt to secure border areas and train vetted Palestinian security forces.

Washington has established a coordination headquarters in Israel for planning and oversight, with plans to appoint a two-star U.S. general to lead the mission.

Domestic Opposition Mounts

The potential deployment faces significant domestic resistance in Pakistan, a country with strong pro-Palestine sentiments.

Religious organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamist groups, have expressed opposition to any military cooperation that could be perceived as supporting Israeli interests.

Political analysts warn that sending Pakistani soldiers to Gaza could provoke widespread backlash and give fresh momentum to protests, particularly from supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The decision carries substantial political risks in a country already experiencing internal tensions.

Economic And Strategic Complications

Pakistan’s decision is further complicated by its deteriorating economic situation and strained relationships with key allies.

Relations with China, Pakistan’s traditional strategic partner, have faced challenges due to security concerns surrounding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

CPEC projects have experienced significant setbacks, with China expressing frustration over security threats to Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

Beijing has adopted a more cautious approach, slowing down infrastructure expansion and demanding enhanced security measures.

Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to depend on international financial support.

Historical U.S. assistance to Pakistan has been substantial, though exact figures vary between Pakistani and American sources.

India’s Economic Contrast

As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, neighboring India has attracted significant foreign investment.

In December 2024, major U.S. technology companies announced substantial commitments: Amazon pledged $35 billion by 2030, while Microsoft announced $17.5 billion in investments for cloud computing and AI infrastructure.

Google had earlier outlined a $15 billion investment strategy over five years.

The Stakes

Munir faces a difficult choice between maintaining crucial U.S. support during Pakistan’s economic vulnerability and managing domestic political stability.

Rejecting Washington’s request could strain relations with a key ally, while accepting could trigger internal unrest in an already polarized political environment.

According to World Politics Review, Munir is expected to visit Washington in the coming weeks for his third meeting with President Trump in six months, where the Gaza deployment will be a central focus.