Pakistan’s most powerful military leader now faces one of the most sensitive challenges of his tenure as Washington presses Islamabad to contribute troops to a proposed Gaza stabilization force. Field Marshal Asim Munir, who currently holds the newly created post of chief of defence forces, is expected to travel to Washington in the coming weeks for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. According to two sources cited by Reuters, including one closely involved in Munir’s economic diplomacy, the talks will likely centre on the Gaza plan, marking the third meeting between Munir and Trump in just six months.
President Trump’s ambitious 20-point proposal for Gaza envisions a stabilization force drawn largely from Muslim-majority countries to oversee a transition period focused on reconstruction, governance and economic recovery in the Palestinian territory. Gaza has been left devastated after more than two years of intense Israeli military operations. The plan aims to dismantle the military capabilities of Hamas and create conditions for long-term stability, but it has made many countries wary of participation due to the risk of being dragged into an open-ended conflict.
Several Muslim nations remain hesitant to commit troops, fearing domestic political backlash and anger among pro-Palestinian and anti-Israeli populations. The prospect of confronting or disarming Hamas raises concerns about casualties, prolonged engagement and the perception of serving Western or Israeli interests. Analysts say Pakistan, with its strong public sympathy for the Palestinian cause, could face particularly sharp internal resistance if it joins such a mission.
Despite these risks, Asim Munir has steadily cultivated close ties with President Trump in an effort to repair years of strained relations between Washington and Islamabad. In June, Munir was hosted for a private lunch at the White House, an unprecedented gesture that marked the first time a US president met Pakistan’s army chief alone without civilian leaders present. The meeting was widely interpreted as a sign of renewed strategic warmth between the two countries.
Experts believe that rejecting Washington’s request outright could come at a cost for Pakistan. Michael Kugelman, senior fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, noted that turning down participation might disappoint Trump and complicate Pakistan’s efforts to attract US investment and restore security assistance that has been largely frozen for years. He added that both Pakistan’s civilian leadership and its powerful military establishment appear keen to rebuild deeper economic and strategic ties with the United States.
Pakistan’s military capabilities make it an attractive partner in Washington’s eyes. As the world’s only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons, Pakistan has a large, experienced army that has fought three wars with India, managed internal insurgencies and is currently engaged in an intense campaign against Islamist militants it says operate from Afghan territory. Analysts argue that this extensive combat experience has enhanced Pakistan’s profile as a potential contributor to complex international missions.
Author and defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said Trump’s interest in Pakistan stems in part from his appreciation of its military’s institutional strength and battlefield experience. She noted that Trump views Pakistan’s armed forces as capable, disciplined and able to operate effectively in hostile environments, making engagement with Islamabad strategically appealing.
Neither Pakistan’s military, foreign office, nor information ministry responded to Reuters’ questions, and the White House also declined to comment. However, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said last month that Islamabad could consider contributing troops to peacekeeping missions, while stressing that disarming Hamas was not Pakistan’s responsibility.
Munir’s political power has expanded dramatically in recent months. He was elevated to chief of defence forces, placing the army, navy and air force under his command, and was granted an extension until 2030. Constitutional amendments passed by Pakistan’s civilian government also granted him lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution, further consolidating his authority. Observers say these changes have effectively given Munir unprecedented control over Pakistan’s security and political landscape.
In recent weeks, Munir has held meetings with military and civilian leaders from a wide range of countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Azerbaijan and Qatar. According to statements from Pakistan’s military, these engagements appear to be part of broader consultations, which analysts believe are linked to discussions around the proposed Gaza stabilization force.
At home, however, the prospect of sending Pakistani troops to Gaza under a US-backed framework has triggered serious concern. Islamist parties in Pakistan, many of which are fiercely opposed to both the United States and Israel, have a strong ability to mobilize street protests. One particularly powerful and militant anti-Israel group, known for enforcing ultra-strict blasphemy laws, was banned in October, and authorities have arrested its leaders and supporters as part of a crackdown. Despite the ban, officials acknowledge that the group’s ideology still resonates with sections of society.
Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan, who remains jailed, also pose a political challenge. His party secured the largest number of seats in the 2024 elections and retains significant popular support, much of it hostile toward Munir and the military leadership. Analysts warn that opposition from religious hardliners and political rivals could erupt into unrest if Pakistan is seen as aligning too closely with US objectives in Gaza.
“There is a real risk that religious hardliners could react very negatively,” Kugelman said, adding that such a response could spiral into violence. He noted that the military is likely keen to avoid internal instability at a time when Pakistan is already grappling with economic stress, political polarisation and ongoing security threats.
