Shehbaz Sharif to Seek Clarity on Gaza Troop Role During US Visit

Islamabad/Washington-(Mudasser Iqbal/Web Desk)-Shehbaz Sharif is expected to seek clear assurances from the United States before Pakistan commits troops to Gaza under a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF). According to senior government sources, Pakistan is willing to participate only if the mission is strictly peacekeeping in nature and authorized under a clear international mandate. Officials emphasized that Pakistani forces would not take part in any operation aimed at disarming Hamas. The matter is likely to be discussed during the prime minister’s upcoming visit to Washington, where he will attend a meeting of President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Islamabad wants clarity on the mission’s objectives, legal framework, and chain of command before making any final decision.

‘Gaza Ceasefire must be enforced to protect civilians’, Pakistan

Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan calls for a force from Muslim nations to oversee a transition period for reconstruction and economic recovery in the devastated Palestinian territory, and Washington has been pressing Islamabad to join.

Analysts say Pakistan would be an asset to the multinational force, with its experienced military that has gone to war with arch-rival India and tackled insurgencies.

“We can send initially a couple of thousand troops anytime, but we need to know what role they are going to play,” the source added.

Two of the sources said it was likely PM Shehbaz, who has met Trump earlier this year in Davos and late last year at the White House, would either have an audience with him on the sidelines of the meeting or the following day at the White House.

Initially designed to cement Gaza’s ceasefire, Trump sees the Board of Peace, launched in late January, taking a wider role in resolving global conflicts. Some countries have reacted cautiously, fearing it could become a rival to the United Nations.

While Pakistan has supported the establishment of the board, it has voiced concerns against the mission to demilitarise Hamas.