Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Asim Munir will have to face the biggest examination of his life, as he must win the trust of US President Donald Trump. However, if Munir chooses to please the United States, people in Pakistan may revolt against him. The matter is linked to peace efforts in Gaza.
Trump pushes Gaza mission
---Advertisement---
The proposed plan of US President Donald Trump involves deploying forces from Muslim nations. These soldiers would remain deployed until the reconstruction and economic revival of the region are completed. Trump has asked several Muslim countries, including Pakistan, to send forces. However, Muslim nations have serious apprehensions about the mission. These countries believe that the presence of their militaries in Gaza could push them into a confrontation with Hamas and further inflame anger among supporters of Palestine.
---Advertisement---
Gaza decision could trigger revolt in Pak
The United States is putting pressure on Pakistan to send its forces to Gaza. If Munir agrees, he could face a major revolt from the people of Pakistan. Analysts believe this will be Munir’s biggest test. Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, Michael Kugelman, said that if Pakistan does not send its troops to Gaza, Trump could become unhappy with Pakistan. He added that Pakistan needs to favour the United States as it requires investment and defence assistance from the superpower.
Gaza troop move could spark protests
On the other hand, if Munir sends troops to Gaza, he may face protests from radical groups within Pakistan, as there are thousands of such individuals who could take to the streets against his decision. Similar protests have occurred in the past and had also unsettled the Sharif government.
Pak troops in Gaza may trigger pro-Israel perception
An expert from Singapore’s Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Abdul Basit, said that the presence of Pakistani troops in Gaza would send a message among the Pakistani public that Munir is acting at the behest of Israel.
The scale of the challenge facing Munir can be understood from his recent meetings with the army chiefs of Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar. Analysts believe these discussions are focused on Gaza. In the coming weeks, Asim Munir is planning to visit the United States, where he is expected to meet President Trump and attempt to find a solution to this issue.