Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, faces a high-stakes challenge as Washington presses Islamabad to contribute troops to a Gaza stabilisation force, a move analysts warn could trigger domestic backlash.
Munir is expected to travel to Washington in the coming weeks for a third meeting in six months with President Donald Trump. Two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that discussions will likely focus on the proposed Gaza force. Trump’s 20-point plan calls for a multinational force from Muslim-majority countries to oversee reconstruction and economic recovery in Gaza, following more than two years of Israeli military strikes.
Several countries have expressed caution over participating in the mission to demilitarise Hamas, fearing involvement could inflame tensions at home and draw them into conflict. Despite these concerns, Munir has cultivated a close relationship with Trump to rebuild trust between Washington and Islamabad. In June, he became the first Pakistani army chief to attend a private White House lunch without civilian officials present.
Michael Kugelman, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, noted that failing to participate could strain Pakistan’s relationship with the United States, potentially affecting investment and security support.
Pakistan, the world’s only Muslim country with nuclear weapons, maintains a battle-tested military, having fought multiple wars with India and conducted counterinsurgency operations in remote regions. Defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said this experience increases pressure on Munir to demonstrate Pakistan’s military capacity.
Munir recently assumed leadership over the air force and navy, with a tenure extended until 2030. Constitutional amendments also grant him lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution, consolidating unprecedented authority over the armed forces. Kugelman described Munir as having “unbridled power, now constitutionally protected,” able to set policy independently.
Domestically, the situation poses risks. Munir has met leaders from countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar, likely discussing the Gaza plan. Yet, participation in the US-backed force could spark protests from Pakistan’s Islamist parties, historically opposed to the United States and Israel. A powerful anti-Israel party, banned in October, still influences public sentiment, while former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, which won the most seats in the 2024 elections, could also challenge Munir politically.
Abdul Basit, senior associate fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, warned that involvement in Gaza could quickly escalate domestic criticism, with accusations that Munir is acting in Israel’s interests.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has previously stated that Pakistan could consider peacekeeping roles but disarming Hamas is not its responsibility. The coming weeks are expected to test Munir’s political and military influence as he navigates both international expectations and domestic sensitivities.
