Pressure Abroad, Resistance at Home: Pakistan’s Calculated Debate on Joining Gaza Force

US President Donald Trump looks on as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks after the signing of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, during a summit on ending the Gaza war in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, 2025 [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters] (Source: Aljazeera)

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Pakistan supported the United States-authored UN Security Council resolution that sets the stage for a transitional administration and an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, but expressed reservations about missing details. Pakistan’s representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, said the resolution lacked clarity on the pathway to Palestinian statehood, the role of the UN, the proposed Board of Peace, and the mandate of the ISF. Although Pakistan endorsed Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan earlier, it still seeks answers about how the new structure will operate.

Pakistan is expected to play a key role in the ISF due to its large military and growing geopolitical importance. The country has strengthened ties with Middle Eastern partners, including recent high-level engagements with Jordan, Egypt, and Gulf states. Pakistan has long supported Palestinian self-determination and a state based on pre-1967 borders. As a nuclear-armed Muslim nation, it is increasingly viewed as a major security actor, courted by both the US and Arab allies.

The government is now weighing whether to contribute troops to the ISF. Senior officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, have spoken positively about participation, but analysts warn of domestic sensitivities. Pakistan does not recognise Israel, and any military deployment that involves coordination with Israeli forces is politically delicate. The government has remained cautious, saying a final decision will be made after consultations with parliament and national institutions.

Questions also remain about the ISF itself. Several UN member states said the resolution fails to clarify the force’s structure, terms of reference, and the governance model for Gaza. China abstained, calling the text vague. The resolution calls for Gaza’s demilitarisation and for non-state armed groups to disarm—conditions that Hamas rejected, saying the plan undermined Palestinian rights. Meanwhile, the US has deployed personnel to set up a Civil-Military Coordination Center near Gaza, and Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Indonesia are seen as potential troop contributors.

Pakistan’s long history with UN peacekeeping is seen as an advantage if it joins the ISF. With more than 2,600 personnel deployed globally, Pakistan is among the top contributors. Analysts argue that Pakistan’s participation could help stabilise Gaza and bring humanitarian relief, while also strengthening ties with the US and Gulf states. However, Pakistan faces security pressures at home, and the number of troops needed for Gaza would likely be limited and shared among several countries.

Still, critics warn of political and strategic risks. Many Pakistanis oppose any form of cooperation with Israel, and analysts say even indirect links could spark domestic backlash. While some experts argue that coordination with Israel is unavoidable, others believe Pakistan could avoid direct contact through a coalition structure. Retired generals caution that involvement with Israel would undermine public trust and contradict Pakistan’s long-standing diplomatic stance, making the decision highly sensitive.

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Source: Aljazeera

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