DIVYA DELHI : Unverified reports circulating on social media claim that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir have, in principle, agreed to deploy Pakistani troops to Gaza as part of a proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF). If confirmed, such a move would mark a significant shift in Pakistan’s long-standing foreign and military policy. According to these claims, the alleged decision is aimed at improving ties with the United States, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump. However, the reports have triggered controversy both within Pakistan and internationally, given Islamabad’s consistent public stance against Israel and its vocal support for the Palestinian cause. The controversy intensified following statements by Adil Raja, a former Pakistan Army major now based in the United Kingdom. Raja has alleged that Pakistani troops deployed to Gaza would operate under the command or coordination of Israeli forces—an assertion that has sparked strong reactions among Pakistanis. In a recent video statement, Raja claimed that around 4,000 Pakistani soldiers could be sent to Gaza as part of the ISF. He described the alleged plan as a sharp departure from the military’s previous rhetoric, which frequently emphasised the protection of Islamic holy sites and solidarity with Palestine. Raja further claimed that while several Muslim-majority countries may be associated with the initiative, their role would largely be financial, with Pakistan expected to provide boots on the ground. According to Raja, Pakistani troops would be tasked with security operations in Gaza, including dealing with Hamas. He also accused Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership of misleading the public by portraying the deployment as a humanitarian or peacekeeping mission. Raja questioned the government’s continued emphasis on a two-state solution, pointing out that Israeli leadership has repeatedly rejected the idea. He argued that authorities should be transparent about their intentions rather than presenting the move as support for the Palestinian cause.
