ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has firmly stated that no decision has been maderegarding its participation in the proposed International StabilizationForce (ISF) for Gaza, emphasizing that any such move would require approvalfrom both the federal government and parliament. Security sources havereiterated that the decision will align strictly with the country’s globaldiplomatic interests and the aspirations of its people. This position comesamid ongoing international discussions on post-conflict arrangements inGaza following the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 of 2025, whichauthorized the establishment of the ISF to support stability, aid delivery,and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
The clarification addresses widespread speculation about Pakistanpotentially contributing troops to the force, which is envisioned underUS-led initiatives associated with President Donald Trump’s ComprehensivePlan to End the Gaza Conflict. Reports indicate that the ISF, potentiallydeploying as early as 2026, aims to secure areas, train Palestiniansecurity forces, and facilitate reconstruction. However, Pakistaniofficials have stressed caution, awaiting detailed responses from theUnited States on the force’s mandate, command structure, and operationalscope before considering any involvement.
A key element of Pakistan’s stance is its unwavering commitment toPalestinian rights and interests. Security sources have made it clear thatIslamabad will never endorse or participate in any action that could harmthe Palestinian people or operate against their cause. This includes acategorical rejection of any mission component aimed at disarming Hamas,which has been described as a non-negotiable red line. Such a positionreflects Pakistan’s long-standing support for Palestinianself-determination and its historical solidarity with the Palestinianstruggle, as consistently articulated in diplomatic forums.
The proposed ISF has sparked debates globally due to its complex mandate,which involves overseeing demilitarization in parts of Gaza while ensuringcivilian protection and humanitarian access. Diplomatic sources inIslamabad have noted that while Pakistan voted in favor of the UNresolution endorsing elements of the peace plan, including the Board ofPeace mechanism, troop deployment remains a separate and highly sensitiveissue. Any commitment of Pakistani forces would necessitate parliamentarydebate and approval, underscoring the democratic process in matters ofnational security and foreign deployments.
Pakistan’s approach balances its strategic relations with the United Statesand other Western powers with its principled stand on Middle East issues.The country has recently joined the Board of Peace, a diplomatic initiativeunder the US plan involving several Muslim-majority nations to supportceasefire implementation, reconstruction, and Palestinian governancereforms. Participation in this board is viewed as a way to advocate forPalestinian rights without compromising core positions on militaryinvolvement in Gaza. This distinction highlights Islamabad’s preference fordiplomatic engagement over direct military roles in contested stabilizationefforts.
Security analysts observe that domestic public sentiment plays asignificant role in shaping policy on Gaza-related matters. Widespreadsympathy for Palestinians among Pakistanis, coupled with concerns over anyperceived alignment against resistance groups, makes troop deployment toenforce disarmament politically untenable. Government and militaryofficials have repeatedly assured that no step will be taken thatcontradicts these popular aspirations or risks straining relations with keyregional allies who prioritize Palestinian unity.
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International reports suggest that the ISF’s composition and rules ofengagement remain under negotiation, with contributions sought from variouscountries. While some nations have expressed conditional interest,Pakistan’s position prioritizes clarity on whether the force wouldinadvertently or directly target Palestinian factions. Officials haveindicated that without assurances protecting Palestinian interests,participation is unlikely. This cautious diplomacy aims to preservePakistan’s credibility in the Muslim world while navigating pressures frommajor powers.
The evolving Gaza peace process, including Phase Two of the ceasefirearrangements, underscores the challenges of implementing stabilizationwithout a broader political vision for Palestinian statehood. Pakistan’sinsistence on parliamentary oversight and red lines against disarmamentefforts reflects a broader trend among some Muslim countries to conditioninvolvement on safeguards for Palestinian sovereignty. As discussionscontinue, Islamabad’s stance serves as a reminder of the intricateinterplay between humanitarian objectives, security imperatives, andnational interests in post-conflict scenarios.
In summary, Pakistan continues to monitor developments closely whilemaintaining that any final decision on the ISF will be deliberate,consensus-driven, and fully aligned with its foreign policy principles. Theemphasis on protecting Palestinian people and avoiding actions againstHamas disarmament underscores a consistent policy framework that has guidedIslamabad’s response to the Gaza crisis.
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