Gaza Crisis: Will the Pakistan Army support Israel in Gaza? Munir is badly trapped by America

Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is currently navigating one of the most challenging periods of his career. Pressure is mounting on Pakistan concerning US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan. Trump is reportedly seeking Pakistan to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza Stabilization Force, intended to maintain peace and stability in the region post-conflict, while this demand places Asim Munir in a profound dilemma, as both compliance and refusal carry significant risks for Pakistan. On one hand, there's the threat of US displeasure, and on the. Other, the potential for widespread internal opposition and political instability within the country.

Trump's Gaza Plan and Pressure on Pakistan

US President Donald Trump has put forward a comprehensive plan to address the post-war situation in Gaza. Central to this plan is the formation of a joint force composed of Muslim nations, to be known as the 'Gaza Stabilization Force'. The primary mandate of this force would be to oversee reconstruction efforts, facilitate economic recovery, and maintain law and order in Gaza after the cessation of hostilities. However, the plan may also include the responsibility of disarming Hamas, a contentious task that has made several Muslim countries hesitant to join, fearing direct entanglement in the conflict. Pakistan is now facing direct pressure to contribute soldiers to this force, presenting a formidable challenge for Asim Munir.

Munir's Imminent Washington Visit

Reports suggest that Asim Munir may soon travel to Washington to meet with President Trump. This would mark their third encounter in the past six months, underscoring the deepening relationship between the two. The discussions during this meeting are expected to focus extensively on Trump's Gaza peace plan. Asim Munir has actively cultivated close personal ties with Trump, aiming to improve overall US-Pakistan relations, while in June, Trump extended an invitation to Munir for lunch at the White House, an unprecedented gesture as it was the first time a US President had hosted a Pakistani Army Chief alone. This highlights the significance the US attaches to Pakistan, and particularly to Asim Munir's role.

Challenges of the Gaza Stabilization Force

The concept of a Gaza Stabilization Force is fraught with numerous challenges. As noted, beyond overseeing reconstruction and economic recovery, the force might be tasked with disarming groups like Hamas. This would be an exceptionally sensitive and perilous undertaking for any Muslim nation, as it could directly draw them into the complex and deeply entrenched Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many countries have consequently distanced themselves from the plan, unwilling to become directly involved in such a volatile and potentially violent situation. For Pakistan, this represents a substantial risk, as its soldiers could find themselves directly engaged in a conflict with profound geopolitical and religious implications.

Risk of US Displeasure if Troops are Withheld

Should Pakistan decline to participate in the Gaza Force, there is a significant risk of incurring Trump's displeasure. Experts suggest that such a fallout could prove detrimental to Pakistan, while the nation is actively seeking crucial investment and security assistance from the United States, and American support is vital for its economic stability and national security. Trump's dissatisfaction could negatively impact these critical relationships, leading to economic and strategic setbacks for Pakistan. Asim Munir has invested considerable effort into mending and strengthening ties. With the US, and any such displeasure could undermine these diplomatic endeavors.

Pakistan's Military Prowess and Munir's Burden

Pakistan holds the unique distinction of being the only Muslim nation possessing nuclear weapons, while it has engaged in three wars with India, with a recent military confrontation occurring in May. Plus, Pakistan has been involved in border conflicts with Afghanistan, while defense expert Ayesha Siddiqa notes that given such substantial military capabilities, Asim Munir is under pressure to demonstrate Pakistan's influence and capacity on the international stage. This pressure might compel him to consider participation in the Gaza plan, aiming to bolster Pakistan's military role globally. However, this decision remains highly sensitive domestically.

Asim Munir's Enhanced Powers

Recent constitutional amendments have Notably augmented Asim Munir's powers. He has been granted command over the Air Force and Navy, effectively making him the supreme commander of all three branches of Pakistan's armed forces, while his tenure has been extended until 2030, and he has been accorded the lifelong rank of Field Marshal. Also, he has been provided with lifelong legal protection. Analysts suggest that few, if any, individuals in Pakistan possess such extensive power and autonomy. This enhanced authority empowers Asim Munir to make a momentous and potentially risky decision regarding Gaza, but it also amplifies the burden of responsibility on his shoulders.

Fear of Internal Dissent and Political Instability

Deploying Pakistani troops to Gaza could ignite widespread protests from anti-US and anti-Israel factions within the country. These groups possess the capacity to mobilize large numbers of supporters onto the streets, potentially leading to extensive demonstrations and political instability. Although a radical anti-Israel organization was banned in October, its ideology and supporters remain active, while What's more, the party of the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan harbors resentment towards the Army Chief and commands significant public support. A decision to send troops to Gaza could unite these. Diverse groups, potentially sparking a major movement against Asim Munir. Should the situation in Gaza deteriorate after the deployment of the force, Pakistan would face direct repercussions.

There is a significant risk that Pakistani citizens might perceive Asim Munir as acting in the interests of Israel, a notion that could be extremely dangerous in a Muslim-majority nation like Pakistan. Such a perception could severely damage the Army Chief's credibility and legitimacy. Consequently, any decision concerning Gaza is exceptionally sensitive for Pakistan, and Asim Munir must navigate this delicate situation with extreme caution and strategic foresight.