Pakistan says decision on joining Gaza peace force ‘still under process’ - Assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that a decision within the Muslim world about sending Pakistani troops as part of a Gaza peace force is “still under process,” and that taking part would be a “matter of pride” to help protect Palestinian brothers and sisters.
He made the remark after media reports suggested Pakistan, Indonesia and Azerbaijan were among the main contenders to contribute troops to a proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF). The ISF is intended as an international mission to help stabilise the Gaza Strip by protecting civilians, monitoring ceasefires and preventing further escalation.
“Asif said, if the Muslim world decides this and Pakistan wishes or needs to participate, I believe it would be a matter of pride for us to play a role in protecting and ensuring the well-being of our brothers,” he told a private Pakistani news channel. “This matter is still under process and yet to be finalised. I think this is an opportunity Pakistan should consider if it becomes available to us.”
He added that the government would keep parliament and all relevant institutions informed on the issue.
The statement came after visits by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to Jordan and Egypt, which led to speculation in some outlets about whether Pakistan had been asked to provide troops for the Gaza peace force.
Earlier this week, Israeli leaders said they would decide which foreign contingents to accept as part of the planned international force to help secure a ceasefire.
Pakistan has a long record of taking part in UN peacekeeping missions since 1960. As one of the larger troop contributors, Pakistani personnel have served in places such as Sierra Leone, Somalia, Liberia, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Yemen and Lebanon.
In 2022, eight Pakistani UN peacekeepers were posthumously awarded UN medals of courage for sacrificing their lives in the cause of peace. Pakistan has also encouraged the inclusion of female peacekeepers in recent years to support and empower local women in conflict areas.
May Allah make whatever decision is best for the ummah and protect all civilians affected by conflict. Salam.
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