Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is facing a delicate political challenge as the United States urges Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza stabilization force, according to analysts cited by Reuters.
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. Discussions are likely to focus on Trump’s proposed plan for Muslim-majority countries to provide troops to oversee Gaza’s transition and reconstruction following an Israeli withdrawal.
While agreeing to the request could strengthen ties with Washington and help secure U.S. investment and security support, analysts warn it could trigger a strong domestic backlash. Pakistan’s Islamist parties, which are deeply opposed to the U.S. and Israel, have a history of mobilizing large street protests and could accuse the military of acting on Israel’s behalf.
Experts say Munir’s position is particularly sensitive given his close relationship with Trump and his near-unchecked authority at home following recent constitutional changes that extended his tenure and granted him lifetime legal immunity.
Pakistan’s foreign minister has said Islamabad may consider peacekeeping roles but stressed that disarming Hamas would not be Pakistan’s responsibility. Analysts caution that any Pakistani military presence in Gaza could quickly become politically explosive if violence escalates, posing risks both abroad and at home.