Gaza Mission Dilemma: Pakistan Weighs U.S. Pressure Against Domestic Backlash

Pakistan’s most powerful military chief in decades is facing a defining test of his newly consolidated authority as the United States presses Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza stabilisation force — a move analysts warn could trigger serious domestic backlash.

Field Marshal Asim Munir is expected to travel to Washington in the coming weeks to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their third meeting in six months, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The talks are expected to focus heavily on Washington’s plans for a post-war security arrangement in Gaza, one of the sources told Reuters.

President Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan envisages a multinational force drawn largely from Muslim countries to oversee a transition period focused on reconstruction and economic recovery in the Palestinian territory, devastated by more than two years of Israeli military operations.

Many countries remain cautious about the proposal, which includes efforts to demilitarise Hamas. Analysts say such a mission could entangle participating states in renewed conflict while inflaming pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli sentiment at home.

Balancing Washington and Domestic Politics

Munir has cultivated unusually close ties with Trump as part of an effort to repair years of strained relations between Washington and Islamabad. In June, the U.S. president hosted Munir for a private lunch at the White House — the first time a U.S. leader has received a Pakistani army chief without civilian officials present.

“Not contributing could annoy Trump, which is no small matter for a Pakistani state keen to remain in his good graces — especially to secure U.S. investment and security assistance,” said Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council.

Pakistan, the world’s only Muslim-majority nuclear-armed state, maintains a battle-hardened military that has fought three wars with India and is currently engaged in counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants it says are operating from neighbouring Afghanistan.

“There is greater pressure on Munir to deliver his capacity,” said defence analyst and author Ayesha Siddiqa, noting Pakistan’s military reach and experience.

Pakistan’s military, foreign office and information ministry did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. The White House also declined to comment.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said last month Pakistan could consider peacekeeping contributions, but stressed that disarming Hamas “is not our job.”

Unprecedented Power, High Stakes

Earlier this month, Munir was formally appointed chief of Pakistan’s defence forces, placing the army, navy and air force under his command. He also received an extension through 2030 and will retain the rank of field marshal for life.

Under constitutional amendments passed by Pakistan’s civilian government last month, Munir now also enjoys lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution.

“Few people in Pakistan enjoy the luxury of being able to take risks more than Munir,” Kugelman said. “He has unbridled power, now constitutionally protected.”

Risk of Blowback at Home

In recent weeks, Munir has held meetings with military and civilian leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Qatar, according to military statements. Analysts believe these discussions are linked to consultations over the Gaza stabilisation force.

However, analysts say domestic opposition poses the greatest risk. Pakistan’s Islamist parties, deeply hostile to both the U.S. and Israel, retain the ability to mobilise large street protests.

A hard-line Islamist group known for violent protests over blasphemy laws was banned in October, with authorities arresting its leaders and more than 1,500 supporters. While the organisation has been outlawed, officials acknowledge its ideology still resonates.

Meanwhile, supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan — whose party won the most seats in the 2024 elections — also remain strongly opposed to Munir.

“If things escalate once the Gaza force is on the ground, problems will emerge quickly,” said Abdul Basit, senior associate fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

“People will say Asim Munir is doing Israel’s bidding. It would be naïve not to see that reaction coming.”