Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar clarified on Saturday that Pakistan is willing to contribute to an international peacekeeping mission in Gaza but will not engage in disarming Hamas or enforcing combat operations. His statement comes amid reports that the U.S. considers Pakistan a key contributor to the International Stabilization Force (ISF), part of President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.
Announced in September and endorsed at the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit in October, the plan calls for a transitional stabilization phase led by Muslim-majority countries before Gaza moves toward reconstruction and a long-term political settlement. Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership is united in refusing any mandate involving “peace enforcement,” disarmament, or destruction of Hamas infrastructure.
He reiterated that Pakistan has always used the term “peacekeeping” and will participate only under that framework. Domestic pressure is rising, with top religious scholars, led by Mufti Taqi Usmani, warning against sending forces to Gaza to fight Muslims. Dar assured that Pakistan would not intervene against Palestinian forces and stressed that internal security in Gaza remains the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority.
Highlighting Pakistan’s coordination with the “Arab Islamic Group of Eight,” Dar reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a peaceful, independent two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
